Oriental College, Kohima, in collaboration with the Social Forestry Division, Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, observed World Environment Day 2026 today at the college premises on the global theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate Change. For Our Future.”
Delivering the keynote address, Neivotuo Pienyü, Forest Range Officer, Social Forestry Division, Kohima, highlighted the urgent need for collective action against climate change. Pienyü emphasized the role of students and educational institutions in fostering environmental stewardship and urged the gathering to adopt sustainable practices in daily life.
Pienyü highlighted that “nature is our backdrop and support system, and it is the responsibility of everyone to fight against climate change.” He noted that the world is showing signs of distress and that climate change is no longer a future threat but a present reality affecting communities now.
“Only together can we reclaim and restore Mother Nature and save our environment,” he said. “Nature shows us how to adapt and heal, so our response must mirror its resilience. We are the generation that holds the balance and must boldly embrace sustainable solutions, for Earth is nobody’s property to destroy but everyone’s responsibility to protect.”
Pienyü also focused on the importance of the 3 Rs — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — to minimize waste. He explained that the hierarchy is simple: Reduce consumption, Reuse items to extend their lifespan, and Recycle materials into new products.
Sedevinuo Kire, Assistant Professor, Department of Tenyidie chaired the event. The event began with an invocation pronounced by Vikeyienuo Rutsa, Assistant Professor, Department of Tenyidie. The programme concluded with a Ceremonial Plantation on the college campus, where faculty, officials, and students planted saplings as a symbolic commitment to a greener future.
The Eco Club, Oriental College, coordinated the event as part of its ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness among the student community.
GHS Bayavü:
Government High School (GHS) Bayavü, in collaboration with the Directorate of Census Operations, Kohima, celebrated World Environment Day today on the theme “Climate Change.”
The program commenced with an environmental pledge administered by Kikruneinuo Liezietsu, Graduate Teacher at GHS Bayavü.
Speaking on the occasion, Kenei Miachieo, Director of Census Operations, Nagaland delivered an exhortation and shared practical demonstrations with the gathering on how to correctly plant and nurture saplings.
Meanwhile, Vedusa, Headmaster of GHS Bayavü, exhorted the students to take personal responsibility for protecting the ecosystem and encouraged them to actively spread environmental awareness within their communities.
Following the brief programme, the officials of Census Operation along with the students and staff carried out a plantation drive around the school compounds besides digging for compost pit, cleaning the school kitchen garden.
As part of the celebration, a poster-making competition was conducted to mark the event. Bupenmongko (Class 10) secured the first position, while Lovito (Class 8) and Lumyimkhiung (Class 9) were adjudged second and third respectively.
GHS Kigwema:
Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Kigwema observed World Environment Day on Friday in collaboration with M/S T Albert Angami & Co. on the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”.
Commissioner & Secretary, School Education and SCERT, Kevileno Angami, delivered a short address during the programme. She expressed concern over the visible effects of climate change, stating that even in Kigwema, located in the foothills of Mount Japfü, changes in temperature and climate are becoming increasingly noticeable.
Angami encouraged the students to play an active role in reversing the effects of climate change and stressed that environmental responsibility should not be limited to the annual observance of World Environment Day but practised continuously through changes in lifestyle and daily habits.
She further urged the students to adopt healthy and sustainable lifestyles, including proper waste segregation, sustainable food systems, and reducing e-waste.
During the programme, all attendees also undertook an environmental pledge led by Mesehol Kweho.
Following the formal programme, a plantation drive was carried out within the school premises, during which 40 saplings donated by M/S T. Albert Angami & Co were planted.
The firm also provided refreshments and distributed biodegradable plantable seed pencils and pens to all present.
The programme was chaired by PGT Kekhrüngoyi Chüzho, invocation was pronounced by GT Kevimese, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Rose Chishi, Principal of GHSS Kigwema.
GHS Meluri:
World Environment Day 2026 was observed at Government Higher Secondary School, Meluri on the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” The programme was jointly organised by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in collaboration with the Village Council of Meluri, Government Higher Secondary School Meluri, the Forest Department (Phek Forest Division), and the Divisional Management Unit (DMU) of the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP-JICA).
A total of 188 participants attended the programme, including 158 students, 18 teachers, 5 community members, and 2 officials, reflecting strong engagement from the school and community.
The programme was chaired by Awietshurho Kajiri (FES). Invocation was offered by Küli Rose Fithu (PGT), followed by the keynote address by Zuchibemo Ezung (NCS), EAC Meluri, who emphasized the need for moving beyond commitments to concrete climate action. He highlighted Meluri’s responsibility as a border district in addressing environmental challenges and stressed restoration and conservation of natural resources for long-term ecological balance.
Dr T Desela Sangtam, SDPO Meluri and Guest Speaker, highlighted the importance of World Environment Day and underscored that nature sustains all life. She cautioned that inaction could lead to severe impacts such as climate change, water scarcity, and soil erosion. She encouraged adoption of the three R’s Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle as practical steps toward environmental protection.
Rhozutho Nyuthe, Chairman, JFMC Meluri, spoke on the efforts of NFMP-JICA in forest conservation and emphasized that deforestation is a major driver of environmental degradation. He called for collective responsibility in tree plantation and protection of forests for a healthier future.
A presentation on citizen science was delivered by Virheju Nyuthe (FES), who introduced tools such as eBird, SeasonWatch, and iNaturalist. She highlighted their role in strengthening biodiversity monitoring and community participation under NFMP and FES initiatives, linking scientific observation with traditional ecological knowledge.
As part of the programme, Talunyu, Eco-Club member delivered a presentation on “Young Minds, Responsible Choices,” encouraging students to adopt simple environmental practices such as tree plantation, saving water and electricity, reducing plastic use, and maintaining cleanliness.
A plantation drive was conducted with saplings provided by the JFMC Meluri. A total of 20 saplings were planted, including Wild Mango (5), Wild Jackfruit (5), and Pine (10), within and around the school premises.
The programme concluded with a collective environmental pledge by all participants, reaffirming their commitment to environmental protection and sustainable practices.
The programme was supported and guided under the overall coordination of Chenibemo Odyuo, Team Leader NFMP-JICA, Phek, Nagaland, and Senior Project Manager, Foundation for Ecological Security (FES).
NBSE:
To mark World Environment Day 2026 on the theme “Inspire by Nature. For Climate. For our Future”, 73 teachers gathered at the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), Bayavu Hill, Kohima. The programme was chaired by Petevino Meyase, Deputy Controller of Examinations, NBSE. An insightful message was delivered by Dr Zalio Seyie, Assistant Academic Officer, NBSE.
Dr Zalio Seyie spoke on the urgency of environmental conservation in the face of increasing environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, pollution and the depletion of natural resources. He emphasized that educators play a crucial role in shaping environmentally responsible attitudes and behaviours among students.
While highlighting the practical eco-friendly habits, he encouraged each educator to adopt the same and promote it within their classrooms and school communities. In conclusion he urged educators to lead by example and foster a culture of environmentally responsible citizens.
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Lighthouse School Complexes
Aligning with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards, which emphasise ‘Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources’, the Department of School Education under the Nagaland Education Project-The Lighthouse (NECTAR) observed World Environment Day at all Lighthouse School Complex (LSC) sites across Nagaland on June 5.
Kevileno Angami, Commissioner and Secretary of School Education & SCERT attended the celebration at LSC GHSS Kigwema, Kohima. Highlighting the significance of this year’s theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” Angami stated that climate change is visible even in Nagaland due to developmental activities, deforestation, and lifestyle changes, among others. She urged students and teachers to actively reverse the process by being environmentally conscious. She encouraged them to adopt sustainable practices such as waste management, conservation of water and electricity, and promotion of environmental awareness through art and activities like nature walks and tree planting.
Angami also emphasised that Government guidelines on environmental conservation must be adopted not merely as activities but as a lifestyle.
Kevileno Angami was accompanied by Vikhweno Chale, Additional Secretary of School Education & SCERT and Acting Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha, along with members of the NECTAR Project Management Unit. During the programme, a pledge to protect the environment and to motivate others to continuously practice environmentally friendly habits was collectively read out by all present. The day was also marked by tree planting on the school campus by the officials and students. Tree planting was also observed in Lighthouse School Complexes in all the districts across Nagaland.
Social Welfare Department
The Department of Social Welfare joined the state-level observance of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” on World Environment Day on the theme “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future” at the Good Samaritan Senior Citizens’ Home, below the High Court Junction, Meriema-Kohima, on June 5.
Director of Social Welfare, Tosheli Zhimomi, speaking as the special guest, said that the tree plantation drive serves as a reminder that human beings are deeply connected to the Earth and share the responsibility of protecting it. Referring to the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree in Mother’s Name), she stated that the campaign honours mothers while promoting environmental conservation.
She noted that the initiative encourages citizens to plant a sapling as a living tribute to their mothers’ love, care, and sacrifices. The message of the campaign is simple yet meaningful—to plant trees in honour of mothers and celebrate the spirit of motherhood, she said.
Drawing a comparison between mothers and trees, Zhimomi remarked that mature trees provide shade, fruits, and shelter, just as mothers nurture, protect, and support their families throughout their lives. She urged participants to remember the love and legacy of their mothers while contributing towards the preservation of Mother Earth.
Emphasising the importance of the initiative, she said that every sapling planted today carries the potential to provide long-term environmental benefits and serve future generations.
The programme was chaired by Akali Sema, Assistant Director of Social Welfare, while the invocation was offered by Lukhi Rai.
Short speeches were delivered by Neithonuo T Liegise, Chairperson of Good Samaritan Senior Citizens’ Home, and Dr Pihoto I Khala, President of SCAN. The residents of the Senior Citizens’ Home presented a special number during the programme.
The vote of thanks was delivered by K Wango Langsym, Deputy Director, Department of Social Welfare.
The observance concluded with a plantation drive under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, organised by Mission Shakti Nagaland under the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland.
