The Proud female frontliners of King Cobra Camp, Kaziranga for receiving recognition for their unwavering service at the 13th BFA 2025
Digital Desk: The Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum (EHNF) 2025, Balipara Foundation’s flagship platform for dialogue and action on sustainability in the Eastern Himalaya, concluded on 10th –11th December 2025. The forum brought together policymakers, scientists, community leaders, businesses, and youth from across the region to deliberate on the future of the Third Pole.
The event was marked by 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 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 demonstrating long-term commitment, courage, and innovation in conservation and sustainable development.
The Rewilding Award was conferred on the Jaubari Restoration Committee of Nepal for exemplary community-led landscape restoration. The Naturenomics™ Award was presented to Nyukmadung Village in Arunachal Pradesh for its integrated approach to conservation, livelihoods, and community wellbeing. The Green Journalist Awards were awarded to Yimkongangba from Nagaland and Sohanur Rahman from Bangladesh for impactful environmental reporting from the region.
The Green Guru Award was presented to Betsida Marak of 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 awarded to Chanakya Chaudhary in recognition of his sustained service to the region. The Naturenomics™ Honour for Environmental Storytelling was bestowed upon Mike H. Pandey of India for his lifetime contribution to environmental filmmaking and advocacy.
The Young Naturalist Awards went to Bijiyashanti Tongbram from Manipur and Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha from Sikkim, recognising emerging youth leadership in biodiversity conservation. The Food for the Future Award was presented to Kuki Basti and Changlong Para Village in Tripura for strengthening sustainable food systems and community resilience. Aaranyak, Assam, received special recognition for 35 years of dedicated service to biodiversity conservation and wildlife research in the Eastern Himalaya.
Frontline conservation efforts were acknowledged through the Forest Ranger and Guards Awards, honouring the King Cobra Camp in 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 regional sustainability challenges.
Special recognition for Innovation in Bamboo Bioethanol under the Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ banner was awarded to Assam Bio Ethanol Private Limited and Numaligarh Refinery Limited, highlighting clean-energy innovation rooted in regional resources. The Indian Eastern Himalayan Grant was presented to Zoram Entu Pawl of Mizoram for advancing community-led conservation and development initiatives.
Together, EHNF 2025 and the Balipara Foundation Awards reaffirmed the Eastern Himalaya as a living, interconnected landscape and celebrated the people and partnerships shaping a Naturenomics™ future; where ecological integrity and human wellbeing advance together.
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