Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum 2025 Concludes with Balipara Foundation Awards Honouring Conservation Champions
The Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum (EHNF) 2025, Balipara Foundation’s flagship platform for dialogue and action on sustainability in the Eastern Himalaya, was held on 10–11 December 2025, bringing together policymakers, scientists, community leaders, businesses, and youth from across the region to deliberate on the future of the Third Pole.
The Forum was enriched by the presence of Her Excellency Ms. May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, and Mr. Kesang Wangdi, Former Ambassador and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, whose participation underscored the growing importance of regional and international cooperation in addressing climate, conservation, and development challenges in the Eastern Himalaya.
Following the Forum, the Balipara Foundation Awards (BFA) were presented to honour individuals, communities, and institutions whose work reflects long-term commitment, courage, and innovation in conservation and sustainable development across the region.
The Rewilding Award was conferred on the Jaubari Restoration Committee, Nepal, for exemplary community-led landscape restoration. The Naturenomics™ Award was presented to Nyukmadung Village, Arunachal Pradesh, recognising its integrated approach to conservation, livelihoods, and community wellbeing. The Green Journalist Awards honoured Yimkongangba from Nagaland and Sohanur Rahman from Bangladesh for impactful environmental reporting and storytelling from the region.
The Green Guru Award was awarded to Betsida Marak, Meghalaya, for her grassroots leadership in environmental education and community mobilisation. A Certificate of Honour and Gratitude for Selfless Dedication to the Eastern Himalaya was presented to Chanakya Chaudhary in recognition of his sustained service to the region. The Naturenomics™ Honour for Environmental Storytelling was bestowed upon Mike H. Pandey, India, recognising his lifetime contribution to environmental filmmaking and advocacy.
The Young Naturalist Awards were presented to BijiyashantiTongbram from Manipur and Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha from Sikkim, celebrating emerging youth leadership in biodiversity conservation. The Food for the Future Award recognised Kuki Basti and Changlong Para Village, Tripura, for strengthening sustainable food systems and community resilience. In a special recognition, Aaranyak, Assam, was honoured for 35 years of dedicated service to biodiversity conservation and wildlife research in the Eastern Himalaya.
The Forest Ranger and Guards Awards acknowledged frontline conservation efforts, honouring the King Cobra Camp, Assam, Hukai H. Zhimo from Nagaland, and Ngawang Choizom from Bhutan for their commitment to forest and wildlife protection. The Naturenomics™ Research Conclave recognised eight young researchers for excellence in research pitches and poster presentations focused on sustainability challenges in the region.
Special recognition was awarded to Assam Bio Ethanol Private Limited and Numaligarh Refinery Limited with the Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Special Recognition for Innovation in Bamboo Bioethanol, highlighting clean-energy innovation rooted in regional resources. The Indian Eastern Himalayan Grant was awarded to Zoram Entu Pawl, Mizoram, for advancing community-led conservation and development initiatives.
Together, the EHNF 2025 and the Balipara Foundation Awards reaffirmed the Eastern Himalaya as a living, interconnected landscape, and highlighted the people and partnerships shaping a Naturenomics™ future, where ecological integrity and human wellbeing progress together.
