Meghalaya Strengthens Community-Led Conservation with GREEN Meghalaya Plus Initiative

 

Known as the "Abode of Clouds," Meghalaya is celebrated for its lush forests, pristine rivers, rich biodiversity and sustainable tourism potential. As the state continues to develop its infrastructure and economy, the Government of Meghalaya is reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection through aseries of community-driven conservation initiatives that balance growth with

ecological sustainability.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the state has positioned itself as a leader in climate-resilient agriculture, eco-tourism, forest conservation and sustainable resource management. A cornerstone of this strategy is the GREEN (Grassroots Level Response towards Ecosystem Enhancement & Nurturing) Meghalaya Scheme, launched in 2022 and based on the globally recognised Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) model.

Building on its success, the government introduced GREEN Meghalaya+, which aims to conserve an additional 50,000 hectares of forest land. The programme provides financial incentives to communities, clans, villages and individuals who commit to protecting natural forests for at least 30 years. Meghalaya remains the first state in India to implement such a large-scale PES initiative.

The programme has already delivered significant results. In March 2026, more than 2,700 beneficiaries received financial assistance exceeding ₹25 crore under GREEN Meghalaya+, while an additional ₹1.16 crore was distributed to beneficiaries in Tura. Communities across Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills, and other regions are actively conserving forests, biodiversity and cultural heritage while benefiting economically from conservation efforts.

Beyond forest protection, Meghalaya has planted over 30,000 hectares of new forests during the past eight years. The state has also launched major climate adaptation programmes, including the MegARISE Project, Spring Mapping Initiative, Climate-Adaptive Community-Based Water Harvesting Project, and MegLIFE Project.

The state's sustainability efforts received national recognition in the Economic Survey 2025-26, which highlighted Meghalaya’s innovative approach to balancing environmental conservation with economic progress.

As Meghalaya expands urban infrastructure through projects such as the New Shillong Township and the Avenue Plantation Project, which aims to plant 6,000 trees along major roads, the state continues to demonstrate how development and environmental stewardship can advance together while creating opportunities within the growing green economy.