Like in many other parts of the globe, the North Eastern Region of our country including Assam is also, at present, facing two major challenges. The first relates to the major damage to the environment and the earth's natural resources, including the threat of climate change. The second stems from the chronic and persistent poverty among the majority of the people of the region. The problems are so acute in the region that the nexus between poverty, environment and development is very apparent. Both these challenges underline the demand for pursue the goal of sustainable development. Solutions to these problems require unprecedented efforts on the part of governments, corporate organizations, civil society and the NGOs.

        Poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth are essential elements of sustainable development. Science & technology will play a very important role and science & technology institutes and organizations and NGOs should come forward to take up activities so that the poor may raise themselves out of poverty using natural resources sustainably.