Mawphlang, June 8: Hima Mawphlang and Earthtree marked World Environment Day 2026 with a plantation and ecological restoration programme at Jathang village, bringing together traditional leaders, students, local communities and environmental stakeholders to promote conservation and sustainable development.
The programme was organised by the Hima Mawphlang Multipurpose Primary Agriculture Credit Society (HMMPACS) in collaboration with Earthtree. Among those present were the Lyngdoh of Hima Mawphlang, C.A. Lyngdoh, Myntris and Bakhraws of the Hima, representatives from four schools in Mawphlang, guides from the Sacred Groves, members of the Earthtree team and residents of Jathang village.
The event was held at Jathang, one of the oldest villages under Hima Mawphlang. Once a thriving settlement, the village is now home to only six households. Hima Mawphlang has identified the village as a focal area for ecological restoration and sustainable livelihood development aimed at benefiting future generations.
Addressing the gathering, C.A. Lyngdoh stressed the importance of collective community action in protecting and restoring the environment. He highlighted the role of the sacred groves preserved by ancestors as living examples of indigenous conservation and expressed confidence that the initiatives undertaken at Jathang would contribute to both environmental restoration and community well-being.
Earthtree, which works in the fields of ecological restoration, climate resilience and community-centred development, has partnered with Hima Mawphlang to support the long-term vision for Jathang. Earthtree Director Sunny Donkupar Mawiong said the initiative goes beyond plantation activities and represents the beginning of a long-term partnership focused on restoring ecosystems, strengthening communities and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.
A major highlight of the programme was a symbolic plantation drive carried out in the shape of the map of India. The organisers said the initiative symbolised the aspiration to revive Jathang and build a sustainable future through the leadership of Hima Mawphlang and the participation of local communities.
Students from local schools also participated in the programme, underscoring the importance of involving younger generations in conservation efforts and preserving forests, biodiversity, water resources and traditional ecological knowledge.
The programme concluded with a call for stronger partnerships between traditional institutions, local communities and environmental organisations to advance ecological restoration and sustainable livelihood initiatives across Meghalaya. Organisers described the event as the beginning of a shared journey towards restoring landscapes, revitalising communities and building a more resilient future.
