ABSTRACT
Meghalaya's rich landscapes are under threat from shifting cultivation and coal mining, contributing to widespread forest loss and environmental degradation. To combat this, the State government has launched an eco-friendly initiative – the seed ball programme. Under the Community-Led Landscape Management Project, in collaboration with the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency, this innovative approach engages local communities, particularly schoolchildren, in restoring degraded ecosystems.
The seed balls, made from a mixture of soil, compost, biochar, and native tree species seeds, are prepared and dispersed by students. The training involved theoretical sessions and hands-on activities, which not only promote environmental education but also instil a sense of responsibility among young participants. Between October 2022 and June 2023, an impressive 3 million seed balls were prepared and dispersed by 75,000 students from 1,840 schools across all 12 districts, engaging about 282 Village Community Facilitators (VCFs).
The results are promising, with a post-dispersal survey revealing a 55% average germination and survival rate. The initiative resulted in widespread student and community engagement and enhanced environmental knowledge. The seed ball program's inexpensive and simple approach makes it an adaptable and scalable model for ecological restoration. Monitoring and community involvement remain essential for long-term sustainability and climate resilience.
Recognised as a Best Practice by NITI Aayog in 2024, this community-led initiative serves as a shining example of inclusive environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. By empowering local communities, especially the younger generation, Meghalaya's seed ball programme offers a sustainable solution to environmental degradation, paving the way for a greener future and a replicable framework for other regions facing similar ecological challenges.
