Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal West: Marking World Environment Day 2026 under the global theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” the Wide Angle Children’s Collective carried out a tree plantation drive across eight villages in Imphal West District, planting over 200 saplings and raising environmental awareness among local communities.
The campaign was conducted in Ngairangbam Makha, Ngairangbam Awang, Ngairangbam Maning, Tharoijam, Salam, Yurembam Awang, Yurembam Mayai Leikai, and Maklang. Children and community members joined hands to plant indigenous tree species and advocate for environmental conservation.
This year’s UN-led theme focuses on climate action through nature-based solutions. It highlights how protecting forests, wetlands, oceans, and other ecosystems can strengthen resilience, combat climate change, and support sustainable development.
The initiative highlighted the role young people can play in addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable practices at the grassroots level. Through active participation, members of the Collective demonstrated their commitment to protecting the environment and building a greener future.
The Wide Angle Children’s Collective, a child-led platform that promotes children’s participation in community development, environmental protection, and social change through awareness, advocacy, and action-based initiatives, expressed appreciation to Shri Vivek Sharma, Joint Director, Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur, and Vikram Suresh Nadhe, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division, Forest Department, Manipur. Both officials provided saplings and extended support to the child-led initiative.
The Collective acknowledged their commitment to promoting climate action and environmental stewardship across the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Montu Ahanthem, Secretary of Wide Angle, said tree plantation is not only a symbolic activity but also a practical step toward improving local ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. He emphasized the need for continued community participation in environmental protection efforts.
The drive forms part of Wide Angle’s broader efforts to empower children as active citizens and environmental champions, contributing to the goals of sustainable development and climate resilience in Manipur.
