Consultation on "Climate Change in Manipur & COP 29 of UNFCCC" held

IMPHAL, Nov 7 : The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRA) and Go Green Manipur jointly organised a "Consultation on Climate Change in Manipur & COP 29 of UNFCCC" at Books and Coffee, Yumnam Leikai, Imphal today.
According to a release issued by CRA, the consultation was organised in the context of increased manifestation of climate change and impacts on indigenous people in Manipur.
The event was attended by Jiten Yumnam, secretary, CRA; Gopen Khunjanmayum, president, Irabot Foundation Manipur and folk artist Khumanthem Nganthoi among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Jiten Yumnam said that Manipur has experienced severe climate change impacts with temperature soaring to a historic 42.16 degree Celsius in Noney on September 20, 2024.
He also asserted that climate induced vector borne diseases, such as Dengue, are being reported even during October and November.
"In 2024, Manipur recorded more than 2,078 dengue cases as of November 5, 2024, with several fatalities", he added.
He also expressed concern over the renewed push for 2D and 3D oil exploration survey and geo-mapping by Geological Survey of India for mining in Manipur in 2024.
Gopen Khunjanmayum stressed on the importance of conserving wetlands and forest areas of Manipur with the participation of communities.
Khumanthem Nganthoi shared that climate change has led to the loss of endemic floral and faunal biodiversity of Manipur and caused severe impact on the indigenous peoples' culture.
"Many plants and flowers are a source of culture and traditional and practices of indigenous peoples. Protecting biodiversity and culture with peoples' participation is key to combat climate change", she added.
During the programme, the participants resolved that the Government of India and Manipur should recognize the urgency of combating climate crisis, risk and vulnerability in Manipur.
The participants supported the call of villages around Zeilad areas in Tamenglong district to review the creation of the Zeilad Wildlife sanctuary.
It was observed that the creation of protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries without the consent of affected indigenous peoples can worsen land conflicts.
They urged the Government to stop pursuing 2D & 3D survey plans for oil exploration in Manipur; rescind the efforts for geo-mapping and mining of minerals in Manipur; and to stop classifying mega dams as renewable and climate solutions, considering the climate and social impacts of large dams.
The participants also resolved that climate finance should desist funding social and environmentally damaging projects and to uphold the traditional practices of indigenous communities that can strengthen their adaptive and resilient capacity to climate change impacts.
Furthermore, it was observed that the COP 29 of UNFCCC should desist from promoting false climate solutions that serve the interest of corporate bodies to profit from plundering peoples land and resources.
People should be at the heart of all climate change solutions and in all proposed climate mitigation and adaptation plans.