Shillong, June 2: In a significant achievement for grassroots biodiversity conservation efforts in Meghalaya, the Pynthor Bhoilasa Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) from Ri-Bhoi district has secured a place in the National Semifinals of the prestigious 111-Hour National Hackathon organized by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

The North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC), Shillong, hosted the regional-level event on June 2 under the theme “Traditional Knowledge in North Eastern States on Biodiversity Conservation.” The hackathon forms part of the celebrations marking 111 years of scientific excellence of the Zoological Survey of India and seeks to bridge Indigenous Knowledge Systems with modern technology to address pressing biodiversity conservation challenges.

The event brought together students, researchers, technologists, and indigenous knowledge holders to co-create innovative solutions at the intersection of tradition, science, and sustainability. The initiative focuses on the digital transformation of traditional knowledge by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science tools to document, preserve, and utilize indigenous biodiversity-related knowledge systems.

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Organizers said the programme aims to encourage community participation in biodiversity conservation while integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with contemporary scientific approaches. Participating teams were tasked with developing ideas and solutions that complement existing conservation practices and strengthen biodiversity management through innovative technologies.

Among the participants, the Pynthor Bhoilasa Biodiversity Management Committee impressed the judges with its concept and was selected as the winner at the regional level. The committee participated under the guidance and technical support of the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board.

The winning team comprised Mr. Lurshai L. Rympei (Chairman), Mr. Babuhnam Lyngdoh (Secretary), and Mr. Meshwa-na-ki Rympei (Member), who represented the village-level biodiversity management committee.

With this achievement, the team has earned the opportunity to represent Meghalaya and the North Eastern region at the National Semifinals, which will be held in Dehradun.

The accomplishment highlights the growing role of local communities in biodiversity conservation and showcases how indigenous knowledge can be effectively combined with modern technology to create sustainable solutions for environmental protection.

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