tEA Executive Director Neikule Doulo and others at the press conference in Kohima on October 10. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 10
Following the success of its inaugural event in 2023, The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA) is set to conduct Run to Reforest 2.0, also known as R2 Run: 2.0, in Kohima on October 26. The announcement was made by tEA Executive Director Neikule Doulo during a press conference at the tEA office in Kohima.
The R2 Run is a key initiative under tEA’s flagship program, "Trees for Wealth" (TfW), which aims to plant 1 billion fruit trees and 2 billion non-fruit trees of economic value by 2050. To date, tEA has successfully planted 750,000 fruit trees and 1.6 million non-fruit trees across Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Doulo emphasized the significance of the R2 Run, stating, “This event holds meaning for everyone concerned about the climate and environment. It aims to raise awareness and foster community participation in tree plantation efforts throughout the state and the Northeast region.” The funds raised will also support the purchase of saplings for farmers, aiding them in developing sustainable livelihoods.
Highlighting the impact of climate change, Doulo shared that farmers in Phek district experienced a 50% decline in potato yields due to erratic weather patterns. She underscored the growth of the TfW movement, which has expanded from its modest beginnings to a robust initiative involving diverse communities across the Northeast.
Forest Cover Concerns
Tongtimenla Jamir, Research & Development Lead at tEA, reported that Nagaland lost 235 square kilometers of forest cover between 2019 and 2021, and now has only 73.90% forest cover—among the lowest in the region. She stressed the importance of the Trees for Wealth Movement in addressing the ongoing climate crisis.
tEA aims to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods in Nagaland and other Northeastern states. To date, the organization has supported and trained over 18,000 first-generation entrepreneurs, 30,000 farmers, 10,000 women street vendors, and 1,500 self-help groups across the Northeast, with plans for further outreach.
Details of R2 Run 2.0
This year's event will feature 14 categories, divided into seven divisions for both males and females. The first four categories will cover approximately 9 kilometers, starting from High School Junction and ending at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, while the remaining categories will take place on the stadium track. A wheelchair category will also be included to enhance inclusivity.
On-the-spot registration will be available for participants on the morning of October 26, with tEA targeting over 500 participants from a broader geographical area, including regions beyond Nagaland and Assam. The organization hopes to exceed last year’s fundraising achievements to further support tree planting efforts under the TfW program.
tEA invites individuals of all ages and backgrounds to join the run, stating, “Together, we can make significant strides towards a greener, more sustainable future.” For more information and registration details, contact 9863599663 or 8798876502, or visit tEA's website.
