This blog draws from an enriching conversation with Pauzagin, the visionary founder of the Center of Community Initiative in Manipur. Through this exchange, we delved into the lived realities of communities in the Behiang Cluster and Bualjang area of Churachandpur District, where grassroots climate solutions are transforming landscapes and lives.
The insights we gathered paint a vivid picture of resilience – not just in the face of climate change, but in the way communities hold on to their identity, culture, and traditional knowledge while adapting to rapidly changing conditions. It’s a story of innovation, determination, and the collective strength of communities.
1. Which specific region of the Himalayas has been the focus of your work, and can you describe its unique geographical features?
In the Behiang Cluster and Bualjang area of Churachandpur District, Manipur, innovative, community-led climate solutions are being implemented under the aegis of NABARD, specifically through the Border Area Integrated Sustainable Farming Project and the Springshed-Based Watershed Project. These initiatives target villages such as Behiang T, Behiang V, Phuaizang, Singngat, Tangpijawl, Muvanlai, Hangsum, G Bualjang, and Tuilakjang, focusing on improving livelihoods, promoting sustainable farming, and conserving natural resources.
In the Behiang Cluster, the project emphasizes horticulture plantation and maintenance, soil conservation, and water resource development. Community members are engaged in backyard livestock farming and provided with health and women development programs. Training and capacity-building initiatives are equipping locals with skills to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and diversify their income sources. The horticulture plantations and soil conservation measures are improving soil fertility and preventing erosion, while water resource development ensures more reliable access to water for irrigation and domestic use. These efforts collectively contribute to enhanced agricultural productivity, increased income, and improved community resilience against climate variability.
In Bualjang, the Springshed-Based Watershed Project focuses on dryland bench terracing to stabilize sloped lands and increase arable area. The construction of water harvesting structures, brushwood dams, and gabion-type check dams aids in controlling runoff, recharging groundwater, and mitigating soil erosion. Afforestation and staggered trenching promote forest regeneration and biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the project includes the development of livelihood activities, both on-farm and off-farm, such as small-scale farming, handicrafts, and other micro-enterprises, which provide alternative income opportunities for the community. The inclusion of earthen dug-out ponds and outlet tanks further ensures water availability during dry periods, strengthening water security.
The implementation of these projects has brought significant positive impacts to the region. Improved soil quality and water availability have revitalized agricultural lands, enabling better yields and contributing to food security. Livelihood diversification has reduced the community's dependence on traditional farming, offering resilience against climate-induced crop failures. Reforestation efforts and water management structures have enhanced the ecological balance, reducing the risks of flash floods and soil degradation. Training and women’s development programs have empowered local communities, fostering greater ownership of the initiatives and ensuring their sustainability.
These initiatives serve as a model for community-led climate resilience, showcasing how integrated, sustainable approaches can simultaneously address environmental challenges and improve livelihoods.
2. What drives your personal passion for initiating community-led climate solutions in the Himalayas?
My personal passion for initiating community-led climate solutions in the Himalayan region stems from a deep connection to the land, its people, and the ecosystems that have sustained generations. Growing up amidst the breath taking beauty and cultural richness of the Himalayas, I’ve witnessed first hand how climate change is not just an abstract global issue but a pressing local challenge that threatens livelihoods, traditions, and biodiversity.
The Himalayas are more than just a geographical region—they are a lifeline for millions, providing fresh water, fertile soil, and a sense of identity. However, the fragile environment is increasingly under stress from rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and deforestation. Seeing the profound impact these changes have had on local communities—farmers struggling with poor yields, families facing water scarcity, and ecosystems losing their balance—has fueled my resolve to act.
What drives me most is the belief in the power of communities to be agents of change. The people of the Himalayas have always been deeply connected to nature, possessing traditional knowledge and practices that can complement modern sustainability strategies. I am passionate about empowering these communities, especially marginalized groups like women and small-scale farmers, to lead the way in climate resilience. By involving them directly in solutions such as sustainable farming, watershed management, and afforestation, we not only address environmental issues but also strengthen their autonomy and well- being.
For me, this work is also about safeguarding a legacy. The Himalayas are a treasure trove of biodiversity and cultural heritage, and I feel a responsibility to preserve them for future generations. Initiating community-led solutions allows us to build a sustainable future where the region’s natural and cultural wealth thrives, even in the face of climate challenges. It is this vision of harmony between people and nature, and the hope of making a tangible difference in their lives, that continues to inspire my efforts every day.
3. How is your initiative backed by the collective strength of local communities, and what role, especially elders (who are knowledge keepers) women & youth play in preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services? and how do they demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination ?
The success of our initiative is deeply rooted in the collective strength of local communities, whose active participation and traditional knowledge form the foundation of every strategy we implement. The initiative fosters a collaborative approach, ensuring inclusivity by involving elders, women, and youth, each of whom plays a pivotal role in preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services while showcasing remarkable resilience and determination.
The elders, as custodians of traditional knowledge, serve as invaluable guides in our efforts. Their deep understanding of local ecosystems, weather patterns, medicinal plants, and sustainable land-use practices is integrated into project planning and implementation. They help identify ecologically significant areas, traditional crops resilient to climate change, and practices that minimize environmental impact. Their wisdom bridges the gap between ancestral methods and modern techniques, ensuring culturally appropriate and effective solutions.
Women in the region play a critical role in biodiversity preservation and ecosystem restoration. As primary caregivers and managers of natural resources like water, fuel, and food, they are uniquely positioned to implement sustainable practices in their daily lives. Our initiative empowers women through training in afforestation, horticulture, and sustainable farming techniques. They lead community nurseries, water management systems, and soil conservation efforts, often championing eco-friendly alternatives that inspire broader adoption. Women’s self-help groups (SHGs) are instrumental in mobilizing resources, sharing knowledge, and fostering a sense of collective ownership.
Youth bring energy, innovation, and a fresh perspective to the initiative. They are trained in modern techniques such as GIS mapping, water harvesting design, and agroforestry, combining these with traditional practices to create hybrid solutions. Youth groups organize awareness campaigns, tree-planting drives, and biodiversity documentation projects, spreading knowledge about the importance of conservation. Their ability to use social media and digital platforms amplifies the initiative’s reach and visibility, inspiring a broader audience to engage with climate action.
The community's resilience is evident in their ability to adapt to climate challenges while maintaining their cultural identity. Despite facing adverse conditions like water scarcity, soil erosion, and unpredictable weather, they demonstrate unwavering determination to safeguard their environment. Elders show resilience by passing down wisdom, even in rapidly changing contexts. Women’s leadership in sustainable practices proves their resolve to secure a better future for their families. Youth embody determination through their willingness to learn, innovate, and act as stewards of their environment.
Collectively, the community demonstrates the strength of unity and shared purpose, proving that locally driven, inclusive approaches can achieve remarkable outcomes in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration. By building on this collective strength, our initiative ensures not only ecological sustainability but also the empowerment and resilience of the people who depend on these ecosystems.
4. What critical role do indigenous people in your community play in preserving traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and ecosystem?
Indigenous people in our community play a vital role in preserving traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and ecosystems, acting as custodians of both cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. Their connection to the land is deeply rooted in centuries of lived experience, which has given rise to sustainable practices, ecological wisdom, and an inherent understanding of the intricate relationships within natural ecosystems.
Indigenous communities possess a wealth of traditional knowledge passed down through generations, encompassing everything from agricultural practices to natural resource management. This includes knowledge about native plant species, their medicinal properties, and their role in maintaining ecosystem health. They understand seasonal changes, soil conditions, and water cycles, which allows them to employ time-tested techniques like crop rotation, agroforestry, and sustainable harvesting. These practices not only conserve biodiversity but also ensure that resources are utilized in a way that allows them to regenerate.
Indigenous people have a profound respect for all forms of life, often guided by cultural beliefs that emphasize living in harmony with nature. They play a critical role in protecting biodiversity by maintaining traditional landscapes, preserving seed varieties, and safeguarding habitats for flora and fauna. By resisting monoculture farming and industrial exploitation, they protect genetic diversity in crops and prevent the degradation of forests, rivers, and other ecosystems. This biodiversity is crucial for resilience against climate change and for maintaining ecological balance.
Through their holistic understanding of ecosystems, indigenous communities engage in practices that enhance ecosystem services such as water purification, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration. For example, they construct water-harvesting structures, prevent soil erosion through terracing, and manage forests sustainably. Their practices often mimic natural processes, ensuring that human activity supports rather than disrupts the environment. Rituals, festivals, and community norms also play a role in limiting overexploitation and promoting the regeneration of natural resources.
Indigenous people serve as advocates for environmental conservation, often leading efforts to protect their lands from deforestation, mining, and other destructive activities. They work to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and advocate for policies that safeguard natural resources. Their resilience in the face of modern challenges, such as climate change and globalization, highlights the enduring value of their traditions and their ability to adapt while preserving their cultural identity.
The critical role of indigenous people in preserving traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and ecosystems cannot be overstated. They are not just passive inhabitants of their lands but active stewards who balance human needs with ecological sustainability. Recognizing and supporting their contributions is essential for achieving global biodiversity and climate goals, ensuring that their wisdom continues to guide sustainable development for future generations.
5. What key political and institutional challenges do grassroots champions like yourself face, including policy gaps, limited funding, and inadequate representation?
One of the most significant challenges is the absence of well-defined policies that recognize and integrate grassroots initiatives into broader climate action frameworks. Policies often fail to consider local contexts, traditional knowledge, and the specific needs of indigenous and rural communities. For instance, national and state-level climate strategies may focus on large-scale industrial solutions while neglecting small-scale, community-driven projects. This creates a disconnect between government initiatives and the actual on-ground realities faced by grassroots actors. Furthermore, there is often a lack of legal recognition for community-led conservation efforts, leaving them vulnerable to competing interests such as deforestation, mining, and industrial agriculture.
Grassroots initiatives frequently suffer from inadequate financial support and limited access to resources. Securing funding for long-term, community-driven projects is particularly challenging, as donors and government programs often prioritize short-term results over sustainable, incremental progress. Bureaucratic hurdles and complex grant application processes further restrict access to available funds, especially for smaller, community-based organizations with limited administrative capacity. Additionally, there is often insufficient investment in capacity-building and infrastructure, which are critical for scaling and sustaining grassroots efforts.
Grassroots champions, particularly from indigenous and marginalized communities, often lack representation in decision-making processes at regional, national, and international levels. This exclusion leads to the neglect of local perspectives and traditional knowledge in policy formulation and program design. Decision-making bodies may prioritize the interests of urban or industrial stakeholders, sidelining rural voices and failing to address the unique challenges faced by grassroots actors. The absence of meaningful participation by women, youth, and other underrepresented groups further exacerbates this issue.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy reforms that integrate grassroots perspectives, increased funding for community-led initiatives, capacity- building programs, and platforms for grassroots champions to participate in decision- making. By recognizing and addressing these barriers, we can empower grassroots actors to play a more significant role in driving sustainable development and climate resilience.
6. What insights can you share with policymakers on integrating traditional knowledge into climate policy, supporting community-led conservation, Enhancing institutional capacity and coordination, Promoting inclusive and participatory decision-making?
Integrating traditional knowledge into climate policy and supporting community-led conservation requires a shift in how grassroots initiatives are viewed. Policymakers must recognize traditional knowledge as a valuable complement to scientific research, incorporating it into environmental assessments, climate adaptation plans, and resource management strategies. Codifying traditional practices such as agroforestry and water harvesting helps preserve and scale these methods. Establishing platforms for knowledge exchange between scientists, policymakers, and communities fosters collaboration and ensures culturally relevant solutions. Climate policies should also reflect the cultural values of indigenous communities, protecting sacred sites and species.
Supporting community-led conservation involves providing legal recognition and protection for grassroots efforts, ensuring secure land tenure and access rights for indigenous communities. Policymakers must allocate adequate funding, simplify grant processes, and invest in capacity-building programs that enable communities to manage climate-resilient agriculture, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable practices independently. Additionally, community-based monitoring provides valuable data on ecosystem health, empowering local people while contributing to broader conservation goals.
Enhancing institutional capacity requires fostering collaboration among governments, NGOs, and local communities, with a focus on decentralizing decision-making. Integrating climate goals across sectors and strengthening accountability mechanisms ensures coordinated and effective policies. Policymakers must prioritize inclusive decision-making by engaging communities from the outset and creating platforms for marginalized groups, such as women and youth, to participate in the process. Feedback mechanisms should be in place to incorporate community insights into policy development.
By integrating traditional knowledge, supporting community-led conservation, and promoting inclusive decision-making, policymakers can create more effective, sustainable, and equitable climate solutions that benefit both people and the environment.
7. How can global cooperation and knowledge sharing support your community- centric solution to climate resilience in the Himalayas?
Global cooperation and knowledge sharing are pivotal in advancing community-centric solutions to climate resilience in the Himalayas, a region acutely vulnerable to climate change impacts. Such cooperation enables local communities to access critical financial resources, technical expertise, and innovative technologies that are often beyond their reach. International organizations, governments, and private sector stakeholders can provide essential funding, grants, and capacity-building support to scale successful community-led initiatives, including sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and ecosystem restoration, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and reach.
The exchange of knowledge and best practices between regions allows Himalayan communities to adopt proven, context-appropriate climate adaptation strategies. Platforms for global collaboration facilitate the sharing of insights on sustainable farming, forest management, and renewable energy, equipping local communities with the tools to enhance their climate resilience. Moreover, collaborative research and data-sharing between global scientific institutions and local communities help refine climate models and improve understanding of regional dynamics, integrating scientific knowledge with traditional practices to design more effective, tailored adaptation measures.
Global cooperation also plays a critical role in amplifying the voices of Himalayan communities within international policy forums, ensuring that their unique challenges are addressed in global climate policies. This collaborative advocacy helps secure policies that protect the region from specific climate risks such as glacial retreat, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. Additionally, it supports local communities in securing legal rights to their lands and resources, empowering them to manage and conserve their environments sustainably.
By fostering resilience networks, global cooperation connects grassroots communities with global experts, NGOs, and other local initiatives, facilitating the exchange of resources, knowledge, and technical support. These networks enhance collective resilience, enabling communities to address shared challenges and benefit from each other’s experiences.
Finally, global cooperation can promote climate justice by ensuring that marginalized and indigenous communities in the Himalayas are represented in international climate discussions. It supports the development of inclusive and equitable solutions that safeguard the rights of these communities while bolstering their efforts to conserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems.
In conclusion, global cooperation and knowledge sharing are essential for empowering Himalayan communities to build robust resilience against climate change. By integrating local knowledge with international expertise, resources, and policy support, we can develop sustainable, community-driven solutions that protect the region’s unique ecosystems and ensure a climate-resilient future
8. What insights can you share on the need for Global climate policy and decision-making, Community-centric approaches (involvement of elders, women & youth) to climate resilience, South-South cooperation and traditional knowledge exchange?
Global climate policy must address the specific challenges faced by vulnerable regions like the Himalayas by integrating community-centric approaches, traditional knowledge, and inclusive participation. Policymakers should ensure that local communities are actively involved in shaping climate solutions, with a focus on adaptation measures that reflect their unique needs. Furthermore, global policies must allocate resources to support grassroots, community-led initiatives, enabling localized climate resilience strategies.
Community-centric approaches are essential for long-term climate resilience. Elders, as knowledge keepers, offer valuable insights into historical climate patterns and sustainable land practices. Women play key roles in managing resources and agriculture, while youth bring innovation and energy to climate action. Their participation ensures that solutions are culturally relevant, intergenerational, and equitable.
South-South cooperation provides opportunities for countries facing similar challenges to share knowledge, technologies, and best practices. Himalayan communities can benefit from these exchanges, gaining insights into successful climate adaptation strategies while fostering joint funding and investment in locally driven projects.
Traditional knowledge is invaluable in climate resilience, particularly in regions like the Himalayas, where indigenous practices have long supported sustainable ecosystem management. Documenting and integrating this knowledge into climate action strategies is essential. Facilitating traditional knowledge exchange helps communities adapt successful strategies to their contexts and enriches climate policies with low-cost, culturally appropriate solutions.
In conclusion, integrating community-centric approaches, global climate policies, South- South cooperation, and traditional knowledge exchange is key to building effective, sustainable, and inclusive climate resilience. By empowering communities and fostering collaboration, we can create solutions that are locally relevant, globally informed, and equitable, paving the way for a more resilient future.
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