Over the years, the Summit has evolved into a landmark event, successfully hosting eight editions in Northeast Bharat and one edition in Chhattisgarh that bring together thought leaders, policymakers, and grassroots change makers. Through technical sessions on sustainability, nature-inspired cultural events, and innovative activities integrating janjati traditions, art, and culture, the Summit has fostered impactful dialogue and meaningful action in environmental stewardship.

Beyond these efforts, VIBGYOR N.E. Foundation actively champions sustainable livelihoods and works toward the preservation of janjati traditions, value systems, and janjati technologies. By empowering communities with eco-friendly entrepreneurship opportunities and advocating for the integration of traditional knowledge into modern sustainability practices, the Foundation continues to drive tangible progress in environmental and socio-economic development.

Expanding its vision beyond Northeast India, the Foundation organized the inaugural Chhattisgarh Green Summit in 2024, marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainability in Central India. By bringing together expertise from multiple regions, the Foundation reaffirms its mission under the guiding theme of ‘Green India, Clean India,’ strengthening efforts toward a future that harmonizes environmental protection with cultural integrity.

Mission and Collaborations: VIBGYOR N.E Foundation is dedicated to the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of Northeast Bharat and Central Indian states, including Chhattisgarh. Through strategic partnerships, the Foundation fosters cross-sectoral collaboration, enabling stakeholders to exchange insights, address region-specific challenges, and develop innovative solutions under the guiding vision of ‘Green India, Clean India.’

To advance its sustainable development agenda, the Foundation has formalized Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with esteemed institutions such as the Indian Army, the Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat, IIT Guwahati, and Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, among others. These partnerships strengthen research initiatives, environmental conservation efforts, and policy-driven strategies aimed at promoting ecological resilience and sustainable development.

Noteworthy Initiatives: The Foundation has been instrumental in organizing Summits, seminars and various activities to further its mission. The 6th Northeast Green Summit, for instance, led to a Department of Biotechnology (DBT) sponsored project titled ‘Development of a pilot plant for production of high-value flaked/powder and stabilized juice or infusion type products from a wide variety of plants with exotic flavor, aroma, bioactivity or functionality from janjati plants of Hailakandi district, Assam.’ This initiative aims to trigger bio-entrepreneurship in this aspirational district and its surrounding regions by utilizing local resources, thus positively impacting the local economy and society.

Recent Achievements: In 2024, the Foundation successfully completed the first-ever Chhattisgarh Green Summit in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh Forest Department. This Summit focused on Environmental Protection & Promotion in Lok (janjati) Tradition, emphasizing the integration of environmental conservation with janjati cultural practices. This summit marks a significant step towards achieving the Foundation’s broader goals and sets the stage for future initiatives.

Our Vision: VIBGYOR N.E Foundation continues to strive for a sustainable future, leveraging collaboration, innovation, and community engagement to ensure the conservation and development of Northeast India’s and Chhattisgarh’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

BACKGROUND:

The people of Chhattisgarh have traditionally lived in harmony with nature. However, in recent years, the state has faced extreme threats from climate change due to erratic weather and rainfall, greatly affecting the lives of its residents. Predominantly an agrarian state with 80% of its population dependent on agriculture for livelihood, variability in climatic conditions—such as declining, late, or early rains—adversely affects the socio-economic and environmental conditions of Chhattisgarh. Climate change is the greatest environmental threat humanity has ever faced, and Chhattisgarh is no exception.

Additionally, Chhattisgarh’s capital, Raipur, has been in the past recognized as one of the top polluted cities in the world, ranking third worst in India according to World Health Organization (WHO) data compiled in 2014. The heavily forested state, known for its temples and waterfalls, is also home to coal mines and coal-fired power plants, causing residents to suffer from several carcinogenic toxic metals in the air, soil, and water.

To make matters worse, Chhattisgarh’s forest cover has been depleting. According to the Forest Survey of India, the state had 55,674 sq. km under forest cover in 2011, which reduced to 55,621 sq. km last year. This decrease is attributed to an increase in population and insufficient rainfall, leading to uneven rainfall, fewer rainy days, and less water for groundwater recharge.

The 2^nd edition of the Chhattisgarh Green Summit 2025 aims to address these challenges by brainstorming and discussing the adverse effects of climate change and success stories of Lok (janjati) traditions of tackling climate change. The Summit seeks to convert these crises into opportunities, not only to get the state’s economy on a more sustainable track but also to bridge the gap across sectors.

EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE:

VIBGYOR N.E. Foundation has successfully convened eight editions of the Northeast Green Summit and one edition of the Chhattisgarh Green Summit, generating key recommendations for sustainable development. The academic deliberations are led by experts from United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and IIT Guwahati, alongside various State and Central Universities. One of the most significant outcomes of the Summit has been the establishment of a Rural Bio Resource Complex (RBC) in Hailakandi, Southern Assam, an Aspirational District. This DBT (GoI)-sponsored project, jointly run by IIT Guwahati and VIBGYOR N.E. Foundation, houses a pilot plant for the production of high-value plant products from the region, creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Building on its legacy of fostering sustainable development, the Foundation extended its efforts to Central India by organizing the 1st Chhattisgarh Green Summit in 2024. Held at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, Raipur, the Summit focused on environmental protection, wetland restoration, carbon credit mechanisms, and sustainable industrialization of non-timber forest products. It brought together policymakers, conservationists, and academicians to address Chhattisgarh’s unique ecological challenges and explore innovative solutions for green entrepreneurship and biodiversity conservation.

PAST ASSOCIATION:

Over the years, the Green Summit has been organized in collaboration with a diverse range of esteemed institutions and government bodies, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. Key partners include premier academic institutions such as IIT Guwahati, IIT Bhilai, NIT Raipur, NIT Silchar, and NIT Arunachal Pradesh, alongside leading research and conservation organizations like the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI), and the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD).

The Summit has also received strong support from various state tourism departments, including Meghalaya Tourism and Bodoland Tourism, as well as international agencies such as UNDP and the UN Environment Programme. Government ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of DoNER, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Ministry of Tourism (Incredible India) have played a crucial role in advancing the Summit’s mission. Collaborations with organizations such as Lalit Kala Akademi, NEZCC, NCZCC, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) have further enriched its interdisciplinary approach, bridging environmental advocacy with traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.

Additionally, the Summit has seen active participation and endorsement from all state governments of the Northeastern states, further strengthening its regional impact. Numerous central universities, research centers, and other academic institutions have been integral partners, contributing to meaningful discourse and actionable solutions.

VIBGYOR N.E. Foundation remains committed to fostering a greener and cleaner future through innovation, community-centered initiatives, and strategic partnerships, continuing to drive forward its mission across India.

 OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF THE SUMMIT:

Overall, it will provide a platform for thought leaders, academicians, research scholars, industry leaders, policymakers, student organisations, civil society representatives, media persons, NGOs, etc. to deliberate and design effective solutions for key environmental challenges being faced in the State of Chhattisgarh, Bharat. Robust and scientific planning can result in converting these challenges into potential opportunities for supporting sustainable development and ecological conservation in the State, rooted in Lok (janjati) traditions and wisdom.

This collaborative approach seeks to harness diverse perspectives and expertise to foster innovation and create actionable strategies that support the region’s environmental goals. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods, the Summit endeavors to promote a holistic and inclusive model of sustainable development that respects and preserves the cultural and ecological wealth of Chhattisgarh.