NIICE hosts talk on politics of ecologies in eastern hills of Nepal

KATHMANDU: Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) hosted a talk on Wednesday titled 'Politics of Ecologies in the Eastern Hills of Nepal'. The event featured Dhirendra Nalbo, co-founder of the Open Institute for Social Science and professor of critical epistemology, methodology and field methods.

In his keynote remarks, Nalbo examined why conflicts arise around development, arguing that such tensions stem from the intertwined relationship between people, ecology, history and political power. He emphasised that ecology should be understood not only as the natural environment but as a broader system encompassing social relations, cultural practices and human interactions with nature.

Focusing on Nepal’s eastern hills as a strategically and politically sensitive region, Nalbo said community resistance should not be treated as opposition to development per se. He urged policymakers and institutions to reflect critically on what kind of development is envisaged, who defines it and whose interests it ultimately serves.

Drawing on historical perspectives, he highlighted how governance strategies, land systems and indigenous practices have long shaped stability in the region. He said that development approaches that ignore these historical and ecological realities risk alienating local communities and deepening conflict.

Nalbo concluded that sustainable development in Nepal requires rethinking modernisation to avoid irreversible ecological damage, respect indigenous systems and engage communities as central stakeholders rather than obstacles.

NIICE said the event reinforced its commitment to fostering critical dialogue on ecology, governance and inclusive development in Nepal.