We invite scholars working particularly on environmental and climate themes within the humanities and social sciences in Northeast India and the greater Eastern Himalaya/Southeast Asian region to submit abstracts for brief presentations on the current state of their research. This is an opportunity to network, to share insights, and to contribute to a vital academic discourse in the region on climate change and its impact particularly on indigenous Highland Asian populations.

WINTER SCHOOL: TRAINING IN NEW RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES

The Winter School caters to junior scholars and early career researchers, providing sessions that enhance participant expertise in a variety of disciplines.

During the Ethnographic Film workshop, scholars will both learn and employ filmic techniques for research and knowledge dissemination, collaborate on short film projects, and engage in critical discussions about the ethics involved in participatory research.

The Intersubjective Ecologies workshop offers an intersection of art and philosophy, inviting participants to delve into the intricate connections between humans and the ecosystem, promoting well-being through both artistic expression and community collaboration.

Participants in the New Rural and Urban Ethnographies workshop will master contemporary fieldwork methods, including participant observation, interviewing, as well as mapping and spatial analysis, all aimed at enriching their comprehension of local cultural and traditional nuances.

Finally, the Ekologos Wiki workshop, which stands as a focal point during the conference, addresses ethical considerations in collaborative research, and leverages the prevalent use of mobile technology to amplify participation and advance the democratisation of knowledge among traditional and indigenous societies, particularly in the midst of climate change, inadequate public services, and remoteness. Inspired by successful initiatives in the Global South that preserve and disseminate local knowledge, the Ekologos Wiki aims to create an extensive online archive. Managed by the Highland Institute and curated by the communities involved, this archive seeks to be an inclusive platform, amplifying indigenous voices in the global dialogue on environmental, cultural, and knowledge-based issues.

SUMMIT FOR SCHOLARS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

Concurrently, the Highland Gathering will host several meetings bringing esteemed senior scholars, community leaders, Highland Institute fellows, and board members to discuss the nexus of climate change, educational innovation, and indigenous knowledge. The outcome will be a declaration regarding research methodologies, data sharing, and data management, and particularly as it pertains indigenous knowledge. On the final day, the Highland Institute Fellowship will hold its annual meeting. Following an official welcoming of new fellowship members, the assembly will vote on a new Executive Council for 2024.