Banshaikupar Lyngdoh Mawlong
Abstract
Civil society in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya plays a critical role in environmental governance, acting both as a watchdog and partner to governmental efforts, with its dynamic engagement rooted in NGOs, community groups, advocacy networks, and traditional institutions. Drawing on quantitative interviews and qualitative insights, the study highlights civil societyâs capacity for mobilizing public engagement, raising awareness, and catalyzing policy change, as evident in campaigns resisting uranium mining and promoting coal mining regulation. Yet, these organizations face significant challenges: limited financial resources, exclusion of women and youth from decision-making, weakening of traditional belief systems, and insufficient institutional access have undercut the effectiveness of civil society stewardship, particularly in conservation of sacred groves and forests. The paper advocates integrating indigenous environmental knowledge into formal curricula, supporting sustainable economic models, and improving transparency in resource management, recognizing both customary and modern scientific tools as necessary for robust environmental governance. Strategic solutions include increased funding, participatory mechanisms for marginalized groups, transparent public registries, and hybrid governance approaches that bridge cultural and technical expertise. Ultimately, the paper argues that strengthened civil society and institutional support are essential for sustained stewardship and the protection of both community well-being and natural heritage in the Khasi Hills.