tEA’s ‘Run to Reforest’ mobilises forestry enthusiasts

KOHIMA — The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA) held a ‘Run to Reforest (R2-Run)’ as part of its initiative ‘Trees for Wealth (TfW) on Saturday in Kohima.

TfW aims to plant one billion fruit trees and two billion non-fruit trees by 2050, having already planted seven lakh fruit trees with support from patrons, well-wishers, and corporate social responsibility programmes.

The participants of the event were divided into four groups, with Wede T Mero emerging victorious in the professional category, followed by Nokching Chang and Shiangjiu T Khiamniugan.

Kelengoto Kulnu finished first in the college category, followed by Shosu Pohena and Chunchanglungbou Newmai.

Kughaho Swu won the school category, with Thejangulie Sote and Thejanguzo Pfukha finishing second and third, respectively.

Lutu took first place among participants under the age of 12, followed by Thejasesi Soukhrie and Pelevotuo Zumu.

All R2-Run participants received certificates, with cash prizes awarded to category winners.

The run began at High School Junction and ended at Indira Gandhi Stadium, with over 500 participants, volunteers, and supporters, some from other states, uniting under the TfW motto ‘Micro by one, volume by mass’.

Lanu Toy, a 97-year-old, officially flagged off the run while Neikule Doulo, tEA’s executive director, moderated the prize distribution.

Speaking on the occasion, Toy emphasised the importance of tree propagation, envisioning the R2-Run as a catalyst for widespread tree planting, while Doulo noted the R2-Run’s importance in promoting sustainable livelihoods, combating climate change, and contributing to the economy through ancillary activities.

Former MLA Dietho-o Yhoshu praised the event as a creative community initiative, while social activist Neiketu Iralu praised tEA for its initiatives.

During the closing ceremony, elders symbolically planted an acorn in a hollow tree trunk.

tEA is currently collaborating with nearly 27,000 farmers across Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh to achieve their targets based on the current trajectory.

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