Shillong: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma attended the 2nd Climate Investments and Technology Impact Summit at Meghalaya House, New Delhi on Thursday to prioritise innovative technological solutions and green investment approaches to address climate change and foster technological advancements for sustainable outcomes.
Conrad said Meghalaya is rich in diverse agro-climatic zones with the environment of the state offering significant potential not only for high-value tourism but also various agri-based industries.
"Meghalaya also receives significant annual rainfall that shapes our ecological landscape and agricultural practices. However, the abundance of rain also brings vulnerabilities related to climate change, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of these challenges and the development of effective mitigation strategies," he said.
He underscored that it is crucial to invest in sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure and highlighted several programmes of the state like the Livelihoods and Access to Market Projects, community-led Landscape Management Project, community-based Forest Management and Livelihood Improvement and Protection of Vulnerable Catchment Areas under climate financing, aimed at tackling some of the climate related challenges.
He also spoke at length on the Green Meghalaya Project, Rejuvenating Rivers and Springs programme and Fish Sanctuaries initiatives.
"These initiatives are designed to enhance resilience against climate impacts while promoting sustainable practices that align with the state's economic activities which are reliant on its natural resources," he said, adding that Meghalaya envisions transforming into a green investment destination achieving holistic green growth, empowering local communities and fostering a sustainable economy leveraging the state's new industrial policy.
"By promoting sustainable industrial growth and providing incentives for green technologies, Meghalaya aims to transform our economic landscape while safeguarding our environment for future generations," he concluded.
During the summit, MoUs were signed for the development of Advance Farming Cluster Project of Rs 125 crore, MultipurposeConvention Centre, University Campus, recreation and associated facilities for Rs 1300 crore, Meghalaya Cable Car Ropeway Project for Rs 500 crore, Sustainable Collection and Conversion of Septic Waste and Sewage Waste into Natural Fertilisers for Rs 125 crore, Artificial Intelligence for Rs 1500 crore and development of hydropower for Rs 1,000 crore.
Also present during the event was Igor Panic, minister of science and innovation, Slovenia.