What began as a college student’s advocacy for climate change has now transformed into a large-scale environmental movement. Aien Amri is now spearheading the ambitious Climate Action 2025 project, which aims to plant 1 million Moringa trees across Northeast India following the successful plantation of 105,000 Moringa seeds in Nagaland last year.
Amri told MT that the project this time involves collaborations with the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), ADC Jorhat, Oriental Theological College, Hope Academy in Dimapur, and ETC Jorhat. This year, the project will also partner with Team PETA to educate people and advocate about the impact of climate change.
When asked “Why Moringa?” Amri highlighted the tree’s significant health benefits and its ability to regenerate soil, making it ideal for soil conservation.
Amri’s environmental journey began in 2020 when she formed Nature, Pets Guardian (NPG) in Nagaland with a group of like-minded individuals. The group initially focused on planting flowers and Moringa trees in Mokokchung and raising awareness about climate action.
In 2021, Amri and her team expanded their efforts under the Global Campaign for Peace Education (GCPE), introduced to them by Dr. Leban Serto and coordinated globally by Dr. Tony Jenkins. They initially aimed to plant 10,000 Moringa trees in Southeast Asia. However, in the first year alone, the team planted over 50,000 trees, and in the second year, they planted another 50,000 across countries including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, and even South Africa, in collaboration with Mariana Price’s Shine Africa Campaign.
A significant milestone came in January 2024 when the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) joined the campaign. NBCC procured 24 kg of high-quality Moringa seeds and distributed them across Nagaland, leading to the plantation of 105,000 seeds. This initiative, led by NBCC’s General Secretary Rev. Zelhou Keyho and Youth Secretary Rev. Suhoto Chishi, has been lauded as a grassroots climate action effort.
“This campaign aims to educate people on the importance of Moringa trees and their potential to regenerate soil and improve dietary health. We hope to encourage every household in Nagaland to grow at least one Moringa tree,” Amri stated.
With Climate Action 2025, Amri envisions a greener future for Northeast India and hopes to inspire communities to take part in sustainable initiatives.