ECO WARRIOR OF THE MONTH!
Ms. Sylvia.
About Sylvia
For many young people, success is often defined by life in the city—steady jobs, modern conveniences, and the promise of upward mobility. Sylvia once believed the same. But her journey took a transformative turn when she chose to return to her native village in Nagaland, a decision that would reconnect her not only with her roots, but with a deeper purpose grounded in conservation and community.
Sylvia’s story is one of rediscovery. Leaving behind the fast-paced urban lifestyle, she found clarity and fulfillment in the rhythms of her homeland—where forests, rivers, and community ties offered a sense of belonging that cities never could. What began as a personal shift soon evolved into a commitment to protect and restore the landscapes that had shaped her identity.
In 2024, Sylvia along with a team of like minded individuals became actively involved in conservation efforts through the Jalukie Pumling Nko (JPN), working in collaboration with GroundUp Conservation. During this time, she along with her team played a key role in developing the first-ever Landscape Management Plan for the Old Jalukie Community Biodiversity Reserve (OJCBR). Her work also included leading the first GPS mapping initiative of the reserve, conducting transect walks, and contributing to baseline ecological assessments—critical steps in understanding and safeguarding the area’s biodiversity.
Beyond technical contributions, Sylvia’s strength lies in her ability to inspire collective action. She has been deeply engaged with local youth, fostering a new generation of conservation stewards. Together, they have carried out vegetation sampling, bird surveys, and landscape mapping—activities that not only generate valuable ecological data but also build local ownership and pride in conservation.
Recognizing the urgent need to restore degraded areas within the reserve, Sylvia and her team took a proactive step by establishing a native plant nursery. This initiative marked a turning point—from assessment to action. With support from Green Hub x Royal Enfield and The Habitat Trust, they began collecting indigenous seeds and nurturing saplings, laying the foundation for long-term ecological restoration.
Follow Sylvia.
From the perspective of Eco Warriors Nagaland, Sylvia represents a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose and humility. Her journey highlights the importance of returning to one’s roots—not just physically, but culturally and ecologically. In choosing to invest her time and energy into community-led conservation, she is helping to reshape narratives of success for young people across Nagaland.
Sylvia’s work reminds us that conservation is not just about protecting landscapes—it is about restoring relationships between people and nature. Through her dedication, she is not only healing the land but also strengthening the spirit of her community.
As we celebrate Sylvia as our Eco Warrior of the Month, we honour her commitment, resilience, and vision for a future where conservation and community go hand in hand.
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