SHILLONG: Shillong is all set to play host to the second edition of the Indigenous Terra Madre (ITM), locally known as Ka Mei Ram-ew Festival which will be held from November 3-7.
The Terra Madre (Mother Earth in Italian) Fest will see around 500-600 (approximately) delegates from over 52 countries and 100 indigenous communities converge in Shillong.
While addressing media persons here on Saturday, Phrang Roy, Chairman, North East Slow Food and Agro-Biodiversity Society (NESFAS), said that the vision of ITM is to bring together people on a platform where they can express their views and opinions.
“It is also another step to showcase the remoteness of the North East… New ideas come up when indigenous communities meet,” Roy added.
The highlight of the festival will be the ‘Biodiversity Fair’ in Mawphlang, where various rare plants, some which have medicinal value, will be on display.
“We will conduct a biodiversity walk to show our empathy with nature and to be aware of the value plants and crops provide to our surroundings,” Carl Rangad, expeditor, NESFAS said.
At the Biodiversity fair, participants from the various indigenous communities will bring samples of various plants.
Rangad informed that North East accounts for 67 per cent of the biodiversity in the country and serves as a “big eye opener”.
The organizers also thanked the government for its support for the event.
“Roads are being prepared for this purpose bringing in a positive change,” Rangad added.
NEHU will host the event for the first three days of the conference, while on the fourth day the delegates will visit hosting villages and the event will conclude at Sacred Grove, Lawkyntang, Mawphlang.
The first Indigenous Terra Madre festival was held in 2011 at Jokkmokk, Sweden.
