In a significant initiative to promote sustainable river management and strengthen community resilience, a three-day workshop titled “Youth Leaders for Rivers: Learning Workshop” concluded in Assam’s Cachar district on Wednesday.
The programme, held from March 24 to 26, was organised by the North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) under the Youth Basin Ambassadors initiative. It brought together young leaders, civil society members, researchers, and environmental experts from across the region.
The workshop aimed to build awareness among youth on river governance, water rights, and ecological sustainability, particularly in the context of the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna basin. Participants engaged in discussions on key issues such as the legal rights of river-dependent communities, indigenous knowledge systems, and participatory approaches to environmental research.
A major highlight of the event was a field visit to the Rupaibali Oxbow, where participants gained first-hand insights into river ecosystems and the challenges faced by local communities. Interactive sessions, group discussions, and collaborative exercises further enriched the learning experience.
Speaking at the event, NEADS Director Tirtha Prasad Saikia stressed the need for active youth participation in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring sustainable river governance. He highlighted the importance of collective efforts in building resilient communities in the face of climate change and ecological degradation.
The workshop concluded with a call to empower young leaders to take forward community-driven initiatives and play a proactive role in shaping policies related to water governance and environmental conservation in the region.
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