Imphal, May 7: A team of journalists from India’s northeastern state of Manipur has successfully concluded a four-day Co-learning cum Exposure Visit for Climate Change Reporting 2025 at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal. Organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur, the exposure trip, held from May 2 to 5, aimed to strengthen climate change reporting and enhance understanding of springshed management in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. Notably, this is the first initiative of its kind from Manipur.
The pilot visit, which commenced on May 2, featured intensive sessions with ICIMOD’s scientists and communication experts. The program was designed to enhance media coverage of critical climate topics, particularly spring water revival, traditional water management systems, and community-led restoration efforts—all highly relevant for the ecologically sensitive Northeast region. Upon arrival, the team engaged in an introductory interaction at ICIMOD headquarters with Annie Dare, Head of Communications at ICIMOD; Senior Media Associate Anshu Pandey; and other experts, setting the stage for the days ahead.
On May 3, the team visited Patan to observe traditional water systems and local community restoration efforts, followed by an exploration of the ICIMOD Living Mountain Lab in Godavari. The field visit on May 4 took them to Namobuddha in Nepal’s Kavre District, where they witnessed firsthand the springshed revival initiatives and engaged with the Mayor of Namobuddha Municipality and local communities. Ahead of the visit, ICIMOD officials underlined the importance of equipping journalists with on-the-ground knowledge to ensure factual, impactful climate reporting—especially in vulnerable regions like Manipur, where issues such as spring water depletion and ecological stress are growing concerns.
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Dr. T. Brajakumar, Director, Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur also participated as a panel member in the Hindu Kush Himalaya Springs Alliance workshop on May 5, contributing to efforts aimed at strengthening regional collaboration on water security. Prior to this workshop, the team held a special interaction with Pierre Yves Pitteloud, Senior Advisor at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), India. In response to queries from Manipur journalists about how SDC plans to support capacity building and resources for climate journalists in the face of global climate change, Pierre Yves Pitteloud affirmed that SDC is eager to continue its collaboration and partnership with Manipur.
It is worth noting that Manipur has already been receiving significant technical support under the collaborative “Strengthening Climate Change Adaptation in Himalaya” program, facilitated by SDC, ICIMOD, and ACWADAM. ICIMOD (Nepal), ACWADAM, IIT-Roorkee, and PSI, in partnership with the State Climate Change Cell, Manipur under the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur, along with other state government departments and non-government partners, are implementing action research projects. These efforts aim to advance scientific knowledge, build local capacity, and develop a Decision Support System (DSS) for springshed management. Notably, the Lunghar Springshed Management Project in Ukhrul District is part of this collaborative initiative.