What is MegREAP Initiative?

Rooted in its natural wealth and community-driven governance, Meghalaya has launched an ambitious initiative — the Regenerative Economies through Accelerated & Inclusive Enterprises in Meghalaya (MegREAP) — as part of its vision to build a $10 billion green economy by 2028. The MegREAP cell, notified in August 2025 under the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), aims to accelerate inclusive, climate-resilient growth through coordinated efforts across sectors.

Integrating Climate, Livelihoods and Markets

MegREAP functions as a collaborative platform bringing together departments, missions and partners to work at the intersection of climate, livelihood, finance and markets. It seeks to foster a regenerative model of development that values natural and cultural capital while improving livelihoods. Development Commissioner and MBDA CEO Sampath Kumar said that the initiative would “cultivate a mindset shift” among citizens, empowering communities to build resilient, self-sustaining economies aligned with the State’s environmental priorities.

Building on Meghalaya’s Green Legacy

Meghalaya’s environmental initiatives already include India’s first statewide Payment for Ecosystem Services programme and the formulation of forest management plans for over one lakh hectares of forests. The State has also established a Climate Change Council chaired by the Chief Minister to coordinate and oversee developmental and climate-related programmes. MegREAP builds upon these efforts to align local development with global climate and biodiversity goals.

Harnessing Community Ownership and Natural Capital

With 78 per cent of its area under forest cover, Meghalaya is among India’s greenest States. The MegREAP initiative seeks to transform this natural abundance into sustainable economic value by strengthening community ownership and linking local resources to broader markets. Wankit Swer, General Manager at MBDA, noted that MegREAP would leverage sectors such as eco-tourism, clean energy, forest-based enterprises, and sustainable agriculture to advance inclusive growth.

Exam Oriented Facts

• MegREAP stands for Regenerative Economies through Accelerated & Inclusive Enterprises in Meghalaya.
• The initiative was launched in August 2025 under the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA).
• Meghalaya aims to become a $10 billion green economy by 2028.
• Over 78% of Meghalaya’s area is under forest cover, among the highest in India.

Bamboo Villages: A Sustainable Enterprise Model

As part of MegREAP, MBDA is partnering with Common Ground — comprising Vrutti, Living Landscapes, and the Bamboo Village Trust — to develop Bamboo Villages across the State. The initiative aims to transform bamboo into a sustainable economic driver, supporting livelihoods while maintaining ecological balance. By integrating innovation with traditional practices, Meghalaya envisions a regenerative economy that ensures prosperity without compromising its ecological integrity.