The more the issues of climate change occupies the arena of global power politics, the more we find that state pragmatism prevails over the interest and needs of the people. Consequently such practices of power-politics are found to be most destructive in protecting the environment and making progress in the response to climate change. In this matter we find that indigenous communities are most affected. With the growing demand for raw material; governments and corporations are increasingly turning their attention to the rich natural resources of indigenous peoples.
In the end, it’s usually the indigenous communities that bear the brunt of climate change. With little or no political power, the voices of indigenous communities are rarely heard; and considering that most of the present natural resources are under the ownership of indigenous communities, it could have drastic consequences. There is therefore an imperative need for indigenous people to find alternatives and to enter into critical solidarity with other indigenous communities, so that the political power of indigenous societies is strengthened.
In more recent years, there has been a lot of focus on the northeast for its natural resources. Unless the diverse political communities in the northeast are aware and empowered sufficiently, it will only be a matter of time before it loses its ownership over its natural resources. It is essential that local communities are strengthened and empowered to utilize its resources wisely and efficiently on its own terms, and if necessarily entering into agreements and partnership based on the interest and needs of the people, while retaining the right of ownership to land and resources.
To fight climate change, it is imperative to recognize that climate change is a reality. For the Nagas, who inhabit the tropical rainforests and are dependent on the harmonious cycle of nature, it is crucial that the society at large is well aware and prepared to fight Climate Change. The accelerating destruction of the rainforests that form a precious cooling band around and the rampant slashing and burning of tropical forests and its impact on natural water sources are serious concerns in the Naga context. The most disturbing fact in the Naga case is that we are already living the affects of global warming even when unaware of it.
Natural resources are inextricably linked to the survival and well being of the Naga people. Considering the drastic climatic changes it becomes all the more important to create awareness among the communities and together protect the natural resources and to introduce laws and legislations that will ensure that appropriate measures are taken for the well-being of the resources. This however cannot be government-centered; the communities must be involved, because after all they are the owners and keepers of the land and their natural resources. Nagas need to come alive to the ecological issues surrounding them, and for a people that is dependent on their natural resources, it would be tragic, if they were to ignore the desperate signs of climatic changes.
