In a ground-breaking discussion on sustainability held on Saturday at Tripura University, experts stressed the north-eastern states’ enormous potential to contribute to the country’s long-term development.
The dialogue, organised with the support of the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development and Carbon Minus India, focused on adopting carbon-neutral lifestyles and climate-resilient behaviour and leveraging the extensive use of bamboo as an adaptation mechanism against climate change.
The significance of the event, the major points of discussion will be presented at the upcoming Global Sustainability Summit-23 in New Delhi. Policymakers from around the world will convene at the summit to address pressing environmental concerns.
The Vice Chancellor of Tripura University, Prof. G. P. Prasain, stressed the urgent need for changing habits and lifestyles to combat climate change and ensure sustainable development. He advocated for reducing the rampant use of single-use plastic and encouraged a shift towards nature-based practises.
Dr. Selim Reza, Ethiopia’s Regional Programme Manager for the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR), emphasised the need to incentivize the utilisation of bamboo for various purposes, such as rural housing, urban amenities, household items, and livelihood options. Bamboo can contribute to carbon sequestration, reduce disaster risks, and provide a model for sustainable development in the north-eastern states.
Drawing attention to the potential challenges of tourism-driven development, Dr. Saparshee Mitra highlighted the importance of preserving the natural environment and ecology while promoting economic growth. Concerns were raised about the sustainability of Sikkim’s rapid GDP growth, which has impacted the local ecology.
The Global Sustainability Summit aims to promote sustainable practises such as using public transport, energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction, and promoting renewable energy sources. It also encourages actions like planting trees, using low-flow showerheads, and adopting reusable products to combat climate change and foster sustainable living.
