Boost the Community Conservation Efforts of Garo Hills

About myself

I am Tremie M. Sangma, and I belong to the indigenous tribe of North East, India. My roots trace back to the tribal and matrilineal society nestled in the lush landscapes of Garo Hills in Meghalaya. I was raised amidst the splendour of nature, instilling in me a profound appreciation for the environment. The gradual disappearance of forests through the practice of shifting cultivation in magnificent landscapes over the years has ignited my passion for conservation and community well-being.

I work as a researcher in the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve of Meghalaya, one of UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves in India. My efforts have cultivated a cadre of Garo community conservationists trained to monitor native biodiversity. Through workshops and community discussions, we have entrenched a scientific ethos in plant conservation, safeguarding the community's future and its invaluable natural-culture heritage. I am also a recipient of Green Hub Small Grant in North East India for Community conservation of rare plant species in Garo hills.

Why is attending GESA important for me?

I have been selected for the prestigious Global Environments Summer Academy (GESA) fellowship hosted by the Global Diversity Foundation and the University of Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute. The Global Environments Summer Academy is a three-month immersive fellowship for changemakers worldwide working to find durable solutions to complex planetary challenges. Please see the GESA 2024 Brochure. Committing to the Global Environments Summer Academy (GESA) aligns seamlessly with my goal of effectively collaborating with the indigenous Garo community. Participation in GESA presents a strategic opportunity to enhance my understanding and facilitate a more systematic integration of community-driven projects with conservation aims. I believe it would also help us to understand the social and complex ecological challenges we face as a community as GESA provides an environment for learning and growing together with curiosity. GESA facilitates a space for learning how to rewrite our story together, across differences and empower communities.

Through this esteemed fellowship, I aim to develop the necessary expertise to represent and champion the unique interests of our community on a broader scale. Together, our team eagerly anticipates bolstering the Green Stewards of the Garo Hills region and extending our reach throughout the area. Our ambition is to serve as a source of inspiration for the younger generation by sharing traditional wisdom and advocating for environmental preservation, thus paving the path for sustainable conservation and livelihood solutions.

How can you help?

The total expense for attending the Academy amounts to £2,500. While I've been granted a scholarship of £1,700, I still need to secure £800 to cover the remaining fees and an additional £2,500 for international travel, visa fees, and the application process. Your generosity is greatly valued, and I am sincerely grateful for any contributions made towards this endeavor. Thank you for taking the time to review and consider pledging your support.