The theme of World Environment Day 2017 with NESFAS, “Connecting People to Nature”

Shillong, June 03:  With this year’s theme “Connecting People to Nature” more than one hundred communities and 10 organizations have chosen to work with NESFAS to celebrate the World Environment Day on June 5^th, 2017. Our partner communities and organizations are from East and West Jaintia Hills, East and West Khasi Hills, Garo Hills, Ri-Bhoi Districts, and from Chizami District of Nagaland, North East network (NEN), the Catholic Social Services Group, the Shillong Sikh Gurudwara, Society for Urban and Rural Empowerment (SURE), Tynrai Foundation, Society for Action in Community Health (SACH), Ministry of Dance, Schools, Colleges and Institutions.

The communities have organized various activities, at their own villages, for the auspicious event with the aim to promote: “Better Environment, Better Soils, Better Tomorrow and Best for the Planet”. The initiative is highlighted through their firm actions and with the main emphasis on awareness creation for further actions for THE FUTURE WE WANT.

It starts today, for these communities, individuals and organizations that are connected, to come forward for an action towards a better tomorrow. The day reminds the indigenous groups, young and old, men and women, and the different organizations that they are part of Mother Nature. Some of the activities for the day’s celebration include composting, art competition, tree planting, agro-biodiversity walks, eat-in, cleaning drives, and many more.

“Although the world at large marks the day, it is the indigenous peoples, the traditional farmers, the gate keepers of biodiversity, the holders of traditional knowledge who are the closest friends of Mei-Ramew, our Mother Nature” says Francisco Rosado May, a Maya agroecologist visiting NESFAS.

A pledge to respect, maintain what nature sustains, and to properly manage the ever growing risk of climate change, will also be made by our partners to mark this event. “We are very pleased that the pledge that was initiated by NESFAS and the 100 communities and North East Organizations is being endorsed and used by indigenous food organizations in Latin America, U.S, Africa and South Pacific”, says Bah Phrang Roy, Chairperson, NESFAS.