Blog post
Being part of this global platform illuminated how interconnected we all are in the fight for climate justice. It also gave me the tools to reflect on the gaps and opportunities within my own context in Northeast India, particularly Nagaland.
The challenges we face
Nagaland faces challenges that mirror those of many marginalized communities around the world. Many, especially farmers grappling with erratic monsoons, are unaware of climate adaptation programs that could transform their livelihoods.
Women in the region, though custodians of practices such as seed preservation and water management, often need to be included in decision-making platforms. This is a loss not just for them but for all of us, as their leadership is vital to sustainable solutions.
Economic pressures further complicate matters. Rural communities, reliant on natural resources for survival, struggle to balance cultural traditions like jhum cultivation with sustainability goals. Meanwhile, policies introduced without cultural sensitivity can alienate communities deeply tied to their land and heritage. These realities highlight the need for approaches that respect local contexts and uplift grassroots voices.
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Lessons and contributions from COP29
Participating in COP29 deepened my understanding of how these shared struggles connect us across borders. It also highlighted how local innovation can influence global discussions. I reflected on Nagaland's resilience examples, such as Khonoma village’s community forest management practices, which align traditional conservation with modern sustainability.
Initiatives like Lihnyü Kro, which I co-founded to engage youth and children in tree planting and waste management, have shown how grassroots efforts foster responsibility and care. Even practices like weaving with stinging nettle, an eco-friendly material, illustrate how indigenous knowledge contributes to sustainability.
COP29 affirmed that climate justice is not just about high-level policies but about ensuring those policies empower the most vulnerable. Like so many others, the voices from my community matter deeply in this global conversation. The journey forward requires a collective effort to dismantle barriers of inequality and create inclusive platforms where every contribution is valued.
I am grateful to the World Council of Churches for providing the awareness and platform to share these stories and connect them to global efforts. With this foundation, I return home with a renewed commitment to bridge the gap between global agendas and grassroots realities. This is only the beginning.
About the author :
Rheiweü Kreoh, an Associate Pastor (Women) at Zapami Baptist Church in Zapami village, Nagaland, India, is passionate about empowering youth and women while fostering eco-conscious living, and she deeply cherishes meaningful connections with both people and nature.
