In a vibrant celebration of World Environment Day 2025, NESFAS joined hands with Laitsohpliah community to amplify youth voices and promote environmental stewardship through a two-day event anchored in the global theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
The gathering brought together youth from 17 communities for a Cluster Co-Design Workshop, where participants engaged in interactive activities such as skits, couplet recitations, and video presentations, all centered on tackling plastic pollution and celebrating traditional ecological knowledge.
“Today, youth and farmers came together to protect Mother Earth,” said Mr Pius Ranee, Executive Director of NESFAS. “This effort must continue. If we neglect our natural resources, we’ll lose vital nutrients and risk our health. Our future lies in valuing what our ancestors passed down to us.”
Local leaders and youth shared powerful messages throughout the day. Laitsohpliah’s headman, Mr. Wien̈sing Marwein, warmly welcomed all participants, while youth from Laitsohpliah and Mawbri showcased skits and spoken-word performances urging communities to reduce their plastic footprint and return to sustainable practices.
On the second day, the programme shifted to “Walking with Wisdom, Honouring the Environment,” with an Agrobiodiversity (ABD) Walk guided by traditional healer and knowledge holder Mrs Twian Nongrum. The youth explored her lush forest garden, learning about edible plants, sacred trees, and the cultural significance of biodiversity. The walk served as a powerful tribute to nature and an intergenerational exchange of Indigenous knowledge.
This initiative was part of the Immersive Youth Programme (May 26 – June 5, 2025), which convened 24 youth from 17 communities across East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts. The programme is part of NESFAS’ projects supported by the Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility (IPAF) and LIC HFL, focused on hands-on training in nutrition, soil health, and community development.
Ms. Natlin Lyngdoh, youth from Mawstep community, shared, “The training during the immersive programme has been very helpful and interesting. We youths have become disconnected from our own farming systems. This programme has inspired me to revive our traditional practices.”
Through initiatives like these, NESFAS continues to empower Indigenous youth as custodians of biodiversity and agents of environmental change, building bridges between tradition and innovation for a sustainable future.
