Shillong, Dec 9: In a significant step towards soil conservation and biodiversity support, Earthbanc has launched the Meghalaya Reforestation and Sustainable Livelihoods Project (Regeneration Meghalaya), in partnership with AstraZeneca, Earthtree, Hill Farmers Shiitake Mushroom Coop Society and Worldview Impact (India).
The massive project was launched with much fanfare and celebration at the Meghalaya Farmer’s Day, which was graced by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, delegates from Sweden embassy and British High Commission, along with representatives from AstraZeneca and all partner organisations.
Regeneration Meghalaya Project is supported by AZ forest and aims to support farmers to restore 22,670 hectares supporting biodiversity and soil conservation, as well as climate and catchment health co-benefits. Many of the species will be suitable for farmers to sustainably produce agricultural and agroforestry non-timber commodities, including essential oils and foods that align with the State Government of Meghalaya Aromatics Policy, and crop management that aligns with the Organic and Natural Farming Policy.
Around 200,000 trees have been planted, and now soil and water conservation works are underway to enable further planting of millions of trees in 2024. Biophysical indicators such as biomass, soil organic carbon, land productivity and land cover will be monitored in alignment with the UNCCD Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Global Mechanism of which, Government of India is a key signatory.
Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Dr. Lyngdoh said, “In the heart of Meghalaya, a green revolution is underway. ‘Regeneration Meghalaya’ is not just a project, it is a commitment to plant hope, nurture sustainability, and grow a future where nature and agriculture thrive in harmony. Let us join hands with these determined associations as we plant 64 million trees and plants across 22,000 hectares. Together, let us cultivate a legacy of abundance.”
Managing Director at Worldview Impact (India), Ibadaphunshisha Blah, said, “We are pleased to coordinate the implementation of this project and expand the training programs we have been delivering over the last decade on fruits, vegetables, trees and aromatic grasses. Our experience in supporting farmers to plant a variety of biodiverse species has shown that it can increase their income and boost co-benefits such as catchment health, food diversity and associated human health outcomes – and this is what really drives our vision for this large project.”
CEO at Earthtree, Rishabh Khanna, said, “I am excited to announce this regenerative agroforestry project that will scale up natural farming, bamboo and orchards in alignment with the State Government of Meghalaya’s Aromatics and Natural Farming Policies. We are keen to support farmers to regenerate their land and grow healthy food to meet strong market demand, which will boost farmer income and increase prosperity.”
Dr Sanjeev Panchal, Country President and Managing Director, AstraZeneca India, said, “At AstraZeneca, we recognise that taking action to drive sustainability is fundamental – to build a healthy future for people, society, and the planet. Through AZ Forest, we are using a science- based approach to fund reforestation that not only helps to mitigate the effects of climate change, but has additional benefits for communities and economies.
CEO at Earthbanc, Tom Duncan said: “This large-scale regeneration project is a very exciting opportunity that we are pleased to support in collaboration with our partners. We are impressed with the policies and programs of the State Government of Meghalaya and the Government of India, and we see the AZ Forest initiative with its focus on circular bioeconomy as very positive for the climate, communities, ecosystem health and a sustainable economy. We are looking forward to seeing this project launch and to helping create a healthy planet together.”
, in partnership with AstraZeneca, Earthtree, Hill Farmers Shiitake Mushroom Coop Society and Worldview Impact (India).){kind=link}