Umswai Valley, surrounded by its serene hills and landscape, is a place of many ancient traditions and stories of human cohesion to preserve their natural habitat in the advent of modernism.

The valley residents, the Tiwa Community, follow a set of their ancient animistic beliefs and traditions which pays respect respects the elements of nature and natural beings while following an age-old cultural system of worshipping. At the core of their belief system, is the sacred forest, a few thousand-yearold sanctuaries on the edge of their valley, where their deities reside protecting the many beings of the forest.

In these regions, the challenges are unique: there are fewer avenues for skill development, and the industries present do not align well with traditional vocational courses. Addressing this skill gap requires tailored initiatives that consider local contexts, promote sustainable employment within the region, and preserve indigenous skills.

The Sacred Forest: A Sanctuary of Tradition

The Tiwa community of Umswai Valley holds a profound reverence for Balakhongor, the supreme deity of the forest and the creator and preserver of all beings. According to their ancient animistic beliefs, Balakhongor and the forest deities reside in the Sacred Forest, manifesting as hillocks that oversee and protect the surroundings.

To honour these deities and commemorate significant events, the Tiwa people perform various rituals and sacrifices within the forest throughout the year. A notable tradition is the annual erection of monoliths to pay homage to their ancestors, with an impressive 1,030 pairs of monoliths standing tall, symbolizing over a millennium of history. This unwavering dedication to their spiritual heritage underscores the community’s deep-seated reverence for the Sacred Forest, which serves as the cornerstone of their animistic religious practices.

The Sacred Forest is also a sanctuary for endangered flora and fauna. Within this vast forest, no hunting, killing, or harm to any living beings whether animals, birds, insects, plants, or trees is permitted. The Tiwas’ reverence for life extends beyond the Sacred Forest, as they also focus on revitalizing degraded lands in the surrounding areas. Their efforts aim to restore biodiversity and reestablish ecological balance, ensuring the health of the environment for future generations.

What sets us apart is our commitment to understanding local issues and needs, allowing us to design solutions that go beyond conventional methods. Our holistic approach combines technical expertise with a genuine connection to the communities we serve, focusing on empowering local youth and building their capacities to support dignified lives in their own regions. This comprehensive commitment to sustainable development is rooted in understanding, adaptation, and empowerment.

“The rejuvenation of sacred forests in Northeast India is not just about planting trees; it’s about restoring cultural heritage, protecting biodiversity, and nurturing the spiritual connection between communities and their land.”

Tiwa Community: Culture and Livelihoods

The Tiwa people maintain a unique cultural identity characterized by a mix of traditional animistic beliefs and modern influences. They practice bilineal descent and matrilocality, with a chief priest (Loro) overseeing religious and judicial matters. Though many continue to follow animistic traditions, some have embraced Christianity, while still respecting the community’s cultural heritage.

Farming remains the backbone of their economy, with rice, ginger, and vegetables being staple crops. Additionally, handloom weaving, bamboo crafts, and broom-making are important livelihoods, reflecting the community’s skill in creating sustainable, handmade products. Despite economic challenges, the Tiwa people prioritize cultural preservation over material wealth, placing a strong emphasis on rituals and traditions.

The Umswai Valley Tree Plantation Initiative

In response to the environmental threats facing Umswai Valley, GHE, in partnership with Planeterra and G Adventures, has launched the Umswai Valley Tree Plantation Initiative. This ambitious project, undertaken in collaboration with the community and local stakeholders, aims to restore the valley’s ecological balance through community-driven tree plantation and sustainable land management. By leveraging the Tiwa community’s deep respect for nature, the initiative seeks to revive sacred forests and establish community food forests, creating individual fruit-bearing plots.

The initiative also addresses the impact of slash-and-burn agriculture and monocropping practices by introducing multi-cropping systems to improve soil quality and water retention.

In its first phase, the project will plant 30,000 trees of native species across the valley. This initiative holds immense potential for climate mitigation by enhancing carbon sequestration and promoting biodiversity. It also sets the stage for eco-tourism, as restored forest landscapes can attract visitors, generating income for the community.

Empowering the Next Generation

The Umswai Valley Tree Plantation Initiative goes beyond environmental restoration; it aims to instil a sense of responsibility in the younger generation. Educational programs will teach local youth about the cultural and ecological importance of forests, engaging them in nursery management and tree propagation. This not only fosters a sense of ownership over their natural resources but also provides sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The Initiative is a beacon of hope, blending traditional wisdom with modern conservation practices. By honouring their heritage while embracing sustainable development, the Tiwa community is leading the way towards a more resilient and harmonious future.