This book provides a comprehensive picture of sustainable development in Northeast India, focusing on historical context, traditional knowledge systems, and contemporary challenges. As a region characterized by unique environmental and geographical peculiarities, Northeast India presents both opportunities and constraints in achieving sustainable growth. This book presents a multidimensional exploration of sustainable development in Northeast India, bridging indigenous traditions with contemporary challenges. It begins with the foundations of sustainability, highlighting theoretical perspectives, traditional agricultural practices, sacred groves, and community philosophies that shape resilience across the region.

The second section delves into environmental, economic, and social dimensions, examining climate change impacts, ecosystem services, livelihood diversification, skill development, vocational education, and women’s empowerment. Case studies on tea plantation workers, MGNREGA, and cross-border trade illustrate how sustainability intersects with equity, employment, and regional policy.

The final section expands to education, health, and inclusive development, addressing disparities in healthcare, educational vulnerability during the pandemic, poverty among the self-employed, and pathways through financial inclusion and access to credit. Together, these chapters provide a holistic view of the region’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. By engaging with sustainability through a regional lens, this book fosters transparency and public awareness, promotes innovation and adaptation, ensures inclusivity and equity, and contributes valuable insights to global knowledge frameworks.

This collection provides a holistic understanding of sustainable development in Northeast India, addressing key challenges and proposing practical solutions. Beyond merely describing sustainability challenges, this book offers policy-driven solutions that can inform decision-making at the regional and national levels. Designed to be an invaluable resource for policymakers, researchers, academics, and students, it aims to shape discourse on sustainable development, environmental conservation, and socio-economic advancement in the region.

Dr. Mridu Pavan Chintey, Assistant professor of Economics, Nagaon University, India

Dr. Tiken Das, Assistant professor of Economics, Nagaon University, India

Dr. Dimpal Dekaraja, Assistant professor of Economics, Nagaon University, India

Dr. Nitu Moni Bora, Assistant professor of Economics, Nagaon University, India

Dr. Mrinal Saikia, Assistant professor of Economics, Nagaon University, India