Environmental experts, scholars and regional stakeholders recently flagged the growing vulnerability of Arunachal Pradesh's grassland ecosystems at the Bengal Florican report release session as part of its annual flagship initiative, Siang Dialogue 3.0, convened by Red Lantern Analytics (RLA).
The session warned that climate change, habitat degradation and development pressures pose serious risks not just to biodiversity but also to livelihoods and regional stability.
At the centre of the deliberations was the Bengal Florican, one of India’s most endangered bird species, widely regarded as a key indicator of the health of grassland ecosystems. Experts underlined that the bird’s declining population mirrors the broader ecological stress facing the region’s grasslands.
Speaking at the session, Prof. Deepak Pathania, Professor of Environmental Sciences at the Central University of Jammu, described Pasighat and its surrounding wildlife sanctuaries as a “critical biodiversity landscape” that is increasingly fragile. He cautioned that the impacts of climate change in the region go beyond environmental loss and have direct consequences for agriculture, local livelihoods and long-term socio-economic stability.
“Grassland ecosystems are often overlooked in conservation planning, yet they are essential for biodiversity, ecological balance and climate resilience,” Pathania said, stressing the need for scientifically grounded policy interventions. He also highlighted the role of river systems in sustaining Arunachal Pradesh’s ecology, calling for urgent measures to protect them from degradation and unregulated development.
Dr Ayanjit Sen, Chief Advisor at Red Lantern Analytica, drew attention to the close interlinkages between ecology and economy, arguing that sustainable development in the Northeast is impossible without ecological safeguards. He noted that the Bengal Florican serves as a marker species, reflecting the overall health of grasslands that support water regulation, agriculture and community livelihoods.
Dr Sen pointed out that conservation initiatives linked to the Bengal Florican have also opened up economic opportunities, particularly through nature-based tourism, ecological research and documentation. “These efforts not only help protect biodiversity but also generate local employment and ensure that economic benefits remain within the community,” he said.
Community-led conservation practices, including cultural events such as the Partung Festival, were cited as examples of how environmental stewardship can be integrated with local traditions and identity, reinforcing the idea that conservation and development need not be opposing goals.
Concluding the session, Dr Siddhartha Ghosh, Director of Red Lantern Analytica, called for stronger ecosystem-based planning, deeper community participation and sustained policy commitment to protect Arunachal Pradesh’s grassland and river ecosystems. He reiterated RLA’s commitment to facilitating informed dialogue and supporting conservation efforts aimed at ensuring ecological security and sustainable growth in India’s Northeast.
