First Chhattisgarh Green Summit 2024 concludes

Focus on key discussions on wetland restoration and carbon credit mechanisms

New Delhi/ Raipur (Team Newsbuddy) : The 1st Chhattisgarh Green Summit 2024, a pre-LokManthan event, which began on October 3, concluded today after three days of robust discussions on environmental sustainability, policy frameworks, and the integration of Lok traditions into development practices. The event, co-hosted by Chhattisgarh Forest and Climate Change Department in association with Vibgyor N.E. Foundation, Prajna Pravah, NIT Raipur, and Amity University Chhattisgarh, took place at the DDU Auditorium in Raipur. It brought together experts, policymakers, and conservationists to address some of the state’s most pressing environmental concerns.

This summit serves as a prelude to the 4th edition of LokManthan, scheduled for November 22-24, 2024, in Bhagyanagar. The journey of LokManthan, conceptualized as a “Colloquium of Nation First Thinkers and Practitioners” started in 2016 and has evoked massive public response. LokManthan 2024 – aimed at bringing together thousands of artists, thinkers, intellectuals and social activists from across the country-is a cultural mahakumbh, that reshapes narratives and equips the nation to embrace its civilizational role.
Ramen Deka, Governor of Chhattisgarh, Kedar Kashyap, Hon’ble Forest and Climate Change Minister, Chhattisgarh, Prof. Dr. Piyush Kant Pandey, VC, Amity University, Chhattisgarh, V. Sreenivasa Rao, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force, Chhattisgarh, C.P. Marak, Chairman, Meghalaya Board of School Education, Shri Rakesh Chaturvedi, IFS (Retd.) and Atul Nagale from Prajna Pravah and others were present at the valedictory ceremony of the 1st Chhattisgarh Green Summit.

The event’s Chief Guest Ramen Deka, Governor of Chhattisgarh, emphasised the importance of taking proactive steps towards environmental conservation, especially in the face of climate change. In his address, he said, “When I assumed office as Governor of Chhattisgarh, I was proud to learn that the state has 44% forest cover—an impressive achievement. I congratulate the Chhattisgarh government for their commendable work in preserving these forests. The essence of a ‘Green Summit’ lies in maintaining our water resources and forests—both are essential for sustainability. We cannot simply grow trees overnight; we must preserve our rainforests for the next generation. In the U.S., over 60% of rainwater is harvested, while in India, the figure is only 23%. This summit provides a platform to raise awareness, educate, and chart a path forward. It is now everyone’s responsibility to contribute, and only through collaborative, grassroots-driven efforts can we ensure the preservation of these invaluable natural resources. The time to act is now, and the joint efforts of citizens, institutions, and policymakers are key to making this happen.”

Speaking at the event, Kedar Kashyap, Hon’ble Forest and Climate Change Minister, reflected on the challenges facing India’s ecosystems, particularly the rising impact of air and water pollution. “Over the years, climate change has brought significant shifts to our environment, and we must respond with urgency,” he said. “I greatly commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spearheading various sustainability initiatives and conservation programmes that aim to protect nature and create a cleaner, greener future. In Chhattisgarh, we have already witnessed positive changes through our own efforts, and we are taking further initiatives to ensure that we continue to thrive by safeguarding our environment. It is essential that we integrate both traditional knowledge and modern practices to protect our natural heritage.”

A key highlight of the summit was a panel discussion on Wetland Restoration and Urban Greening, where experts examined how urban forestry and wetland restoration could play a pivotal role in creating sustainable cities. Dr. Sachidananda Shukla, Vice Chancellor of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, and Shri Vijay Dhasmana, Founder of The Rewilders, were among the leading voices in this discussion, exploring the environmental, social, and economic impacts of these initiatives.

Another significant session focussed on the Benefit Sharing Mechanism: Biodiversity and Carbon Credit. This discussion was centered on Chhattisgarh’s potential for forest conservation and carbon sequestration, with an emphasis on how collaborative conservation efforts could lead to substantial contributions towards climate change mitigation.

During this session, C.P. Marak, Chairman of the Meghalaya Board of School Education and former PCCF & HoFF Meghalaya, presented a case study of the Khasi Hills Community REDD+ project, a community-led conservation initiative. He commented, “The Khasi Hills project is a clear demonstration of how community-driven efforts can yield both environmental and economic benefits. Covering more than 500 hectares of sacred forest and involving 62 villages, this initiative has created a sustainable model for carbon credit generation. It’s not just about forest protection; it’s about ensuring that communities directly benefit from conservation efforts. This is a model that can easily be adapted in Chhattisgarh, where forests play a crucial role in local economies and environmental health. “

The event also featured a presentation from Dr. K.T. Parthivan, Dean of the Forest College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, and Syed Arif Wali from TERI, who outlined the future of biodiversity conservation and carbon credit trading mechanisms.

Commenting on the summit Bitopi Basumatary Luhoe, Secretary of Vibgyor N.E. Foundation, highlighted the crucial role of community involvement in such initiatives. “True environmental change begins at the community level. It is only through active engagement and collaboration that we can hope to achieve our conservation goals,” she stated, reinforcing the message of shared responsibility for Chhattisgarh’s future.

The event culminated with the Green Awards, honoring Chhattisgarh’s green warriors to celebrate their outstanding dedication to the environment. Ghutnu Singh was recognised for beekeeping and community empowerment; Baluram Verma for planting saplings and promoting a greener planet; Sitaram Das for crocodile conservation; Amrika Netam for preserving agricultural heritage and promoting eco-friendly practices; Budhari Tati for contributions to social service and a greener world; and Neha Bansod for tree conservation and biodiversity protection.