Guwahati :The Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum (EHNF) 2025, organised by the Balipara Foundation, was held on 10–11 December 2025 and brought together policymakers, scientists, community leaders, businesses, and youth from across the Eastern Himalayan region. The Forum focused on sustainable development, climate action, and conservation in the Eastern Himalaya, also known as the Third Pole.
The Forum received strong international and regional support with the presence of Her Excellency Ms. May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, and Mr. Kesang Wangdi, Former Ambassador and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation. Their participation highlighted the need for cross-border cooperation to address climate change and environmental challenges in the Eastern Himalaya.
After the Forum, the Balipara Foundation Awards (BFA) 2025 honoured individuals, communities, and institutions for their long-term contribution to conservation and sustainable development in the region.
The Rewilding Award went to the Jaubari Restoration Committee of Nepal for its successful community-led land restoration work. Nyukmadung Village in Arunachal Pradesh received the Naturenomics™ Award for its balanced approach to conservation, livelihoods, and community wellbeing.
The Green Journalist Awards honoured Yimkongangba from Nagaland and Sohanur Rahman from Bangladesh for strong environmental reporting from the region. Betsida Marak from Meghalaya received the Green Guru Award for her leadership in environmental education at the grassroots level.
The Foundation presented a Certificate of Honour and Gratitude to Chanakya Chaudhary for his dedicated service to the Eastern Himalaya. Veteran filmmaker Mike H. Pandey received the Naturenomics™ Honour for Environmental Storytelling for his lifetime contribution to environmental films and advocacy.
The Young Naturalist Awards recognised Bijiyashanti Tongbram from Manipur and Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha from Sikkim for their work in biodiversity conservation. The Food for the Future Award honoured Kuki Basti and Changlong Para Village of Tripura for promoting sustainable food systems and community resilience.
In a special recognition, Aaranyak, Assam, received honours for completing 35 years of service in biodiversity conservation and wildlife research in the Eastern Himalaya.
The Forest Ranger and Guards Awards recognised frontline conservation work by the King Cobra Camp in Assam, Hukai H. Zhimo from Nagaland, and Ngawang Choizom from Bhutan. The Naturenomics™ Research Conclave also honoured eight young researchers for innovative research on sustainability challenges in the region.
Assam Bio Ethanol Private Limited and Numaligarh Refinery Limited received special recognition for innovation in bamboo-based bioethanol, promoting clean energy solutions rooted in local resources. The Indian Eastern Himalayan Grant went to Zoram Entu Pawl of Mizoram for strengthening community-led conservation and development initiatives.
The Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum 2025 and the Balipara Foundation Awards reaffirmed the Eastern Himalaya as a shared and living landscape. The event highlighted how people, partnerships, and innovation can build a future where nature and human wellbeing grow together.
