The Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Hub (previously known as ENVIS) at Forest and Environment Department, Government of Sikkim and EIACP Resource Partner at CPR Environment Education Centre based at Chennai jointly organized a day-long seminar on Ecological Traditions of Sikkim on February 27, 2023 at the Forest Conference Hall, Deorali, Gangtok.
The seminar focused on the aged-old and current ecological traditions and practices followed in the State of Sikkim like traditional water harvesting systems, conservation of sacred groves, tree and nature worship, agroforestry, traditional healing practices, Dzomsa system, Lepcha traditions and other indigenous traditional knowledge systems. Six subject experts namely Dr Ghanashyam Bastola, Programme Manager and Head of The Mountain Institute Sikkim, Shri Hissey Lachungpa, Chairman of Lachung Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) and member of Lachung Dzomsa, Shri Namgyal Lepcha, Hee-Gyathang BMC member, Dr. Sonam Rinchen, SDM (Dzongu), Dr Bharat Kumar Pradhan, Scientific Associate at Sikkim State Biodiversity Board and Dr. P. Sudhakar from CPREEC Chennai presented their papers on diverse ecological traditions of the state. The seminar was participated by the about 70 students and faculties from colleges and universities in and around Gangtok. Local research scholars, scientists and other environment enthusiasts also participated in the seminar.
The inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Pradeep Kumar IFS, Secretary, Forest and Environment Department. During his address he mentioned that the age-old traditions and culture that protects nature and environment is gradually diluting and we need to revisit these practices and propagate amongst the young generation to conserve the traditions by comprehending the sanctity of the creation. He also mentioned that the pro-environmental initiatives of the State Government such as the recently launched green initiative ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ which envisages planting 100 trees for every newborn in Sikkim is a testimony of the State Government’s affirm environmental action to preserve and strengthen the man-nature affinity. He also urged that the outcome of the seminar be published for wider dissemination for reminding the present young generations about Sikkim’s unique ecological traditions.
Earlier, the programme began with the welcome address by Shri B.B Gurung IFS, Director (Environment) and ended with the vote of thanks by Smt Kusum Gurung Joint Director (ENVIS) and other officers of the department. The event was coordinated by Shri Rajen Pradhan, Senior Programme Officer (ENVIS) and Ms Sunita Khatiwara, Project Officer (Research).
