Meghalaya Mirrors Reflections of Community-Led Environmental Action

1. Editorial
Anjal Prakash, Sampath Kumar, and Gunanka D.B.

Theme I: Community Engagement: Empowering Local Institutions for Environmental Change

2. Ecological Transitions and Environmental Change in the Northeastern Hills
B. Padmapriya

3. Building a Cadre of Community Professionals
Dokatchi Marak; Nangteibor Shabong

4. Community Nurseries for Forest Restoration
Bratati Purkhayastha; Vanshan Buhphang

5. Community Seed Saving for Food Security
Dr. Junie P. Lyngdoh; Reccica D. Lyngkhoi, M Wanlambok Sanglyne, Thomas Iangjuh

6. Preserving Cultural and Natural Heritage
Catherine Derica Kyndiah, Goldenstar Thongni; Tilaris Marwein

7. Supporting Grassroot Innovations
Veveane Sayo; Delanmi Massar; Gordon Pde

Theme II – Innovative Solutions: Harnessing Technology for Climate Resilience

8. Sloping Agriculture Land Technology (SALT)
John Kearey Wanniang

9. Neutralization of Acid Mine Drainage Contaminated Water
Effie Gwyneth Kharjana; Justin Pathaw, Wansah Pyrbot, Raynold Marwein, Bandarihun Kharlor, Fidellia Sun and Cheryl Pohrmen

10. Community-Led Hydrological Spring Mapping and Springshed Development in Meghalaya
Jillianda Kharjana; Dr. Gaurav Singh

11. Seedball Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation
Dr. S. Ashutosh, Dr. Tremie M. Sangma; Rikmen Khongsngi

12. Integrating Technology for Natural Resource Management
Raymond Wahlang and Fettleman Dohling

Theme III – Green Financing: Innovations in Funding Climate Action

13. Conservation of Forests and Payment for Ecosystem Services
James T. Kharkongor; Dr. Lavinia Dkhar

14. Forest Management Plans for Sustainable Forestry
Dr. Lavinia M. Dkhar, Jyswill Nongpiur; Rajaul Karim, H. Liansuanmung

15. Reclamation of Mining Affected Land Using Aromatic Grass
Dr. Hygina Siangbood; Rishot Skhem Kharkongor

16. Agroforestry-Carbon Project in Meghalaya
Dr. Lavinia M. Dkhar

17. Leveraging Bamboo Resource
Nangteibor Shabong; Dr. Lavinia M. Dkhar

Theme IV – Governance and Policy

18. Case Study on the Policy and Governance Impact of MBDA
Wankit K. Swer

19. Bridging Skill Gaps in Meghalaya through the Apprenticeship Training Programme
T. Niang Suan Ching, Sucielia Mylliemngap

20. Conclusion
Anjal Prakash, Sampath Kumar, and Gunanka D.B.

Biography

Anjal Prakash is Clinical Associate Professor (Research) and Research Director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, ISB. With over 25 years of experience in water, climate, and policy research across South Asia, he has served as Coordinating Lead Author for the IPCC’s Special Report on Oceans and Cryosphere and contributed to the IPCC AR6. He specialises in urban resilience, gender, and social inclusion, and has authored numerous publications, including eight edited books.

Gunanka D.B, an Indian Forest Service officer, is Additional Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya. With 15+ years spanning corporate IT and public administration, he specialises in institutional reform, natural resource management, and data-driven governance. He has led major externally aided projects, strengthened geospatial systems, and advanced community-led conservation models. His work blends systems thinking with grounded implementation, contributing to applied research and policy innovation in ecologically sensitive regions.

Sampath Kumar, IAS, serves as Development Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Government of Meghalaya. With 26 years of public administration experience, he pioneered the State Capability Enhancement Project (SCEP), promoting adaptive governance, convergence, and data-driven decision-making. Under his leadership, Meghalaya achieved a significant reduction in acute malnutrition and institutionalised its Early Childhood Development Mission. A Harvard Kennedy School alumnus, he continues to champion systemic governance reforms rooted in community participation and iterative learning.

'This insightful volume is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Meghalaya's communities in environmental stewardship. It serves as an inspiring blueprint for others worldwide, emphasizing the importance of local engagement in sustainable development.' 

- Mr. Aibanshngain Swer,  Director, Meghalaya Institute of Governance, Shillong, India

'The book showcases how local communities in the North East address environmental challenges of the region. The work presents narratives of grassroots initiatives and demonstrates the potential of community-driven conservation approaches for sustainable development.'

- Dr M Dinesh Kumar, Executive Director, Institute of Resource Analysis and Policy, Hyderabad, India