Who We Are

Mirin Climate Centre (MCC) is a climate solutions organization focused on developing nature-based carbon projects in Northeast India. We work at the intersection of climate finance, forest conservation, and community-led development.

Vision

To be a pioneering force in environmental conservation and sustainable development for empowering local communities in Northeast India.

• Protect and restore the environment sustainably

• Empower communities through sustainable livelihoods

• Integrate indigenous knowledge into climate solutions

• Build partnerships across local and global stakeholders

• Advance research and innovation in climate governance

Mission

Our Approach

At Mirin Climate Centre, we aim to unlock the region’s carbon potential while protecting its forests and supporting the communities that depend on them. Northeast India is one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, with over 17 million hectares of forest. Yet it faces significant deforestation, and its carbon potential remains largely untapped due to limited capacity and low trust in external interventions.

We address this through a people-centered, community-driven approach, combining deep regional understanding with cutting-edge technology to deliver effective and sustainable climate solutions.

Our approach is built on:

• Community-led initiative through inclusive and participatory processes

• Alignment with indigenous systems to ensure legitimacy and sustainability

• Long-term commitment beyond short-term projects

• Integration of science, policy, and local knowledge to deliver high-integrity solutions

Dr. Phungmayo Horam

Managing Director

He is the Founder and Managing Director of Mirin Climate Centre (MCC), advancing community-led environmental solutions in Northeast India. A resource economist with over a decade of international experience, he collaborates with BMZ, GIZ, and others. Currently a professor at GISMA University, he integrates academic expertise with grassroots climate and livelihood initiatives.

Dr Pamreihor Khashimwo

Executive Director

He is Executive Director and co-founder of Mirin Climate Centre, a researcher and sustainability practitioner specialising in international relations, energy diplomacy, ethnic politics, foreign policy, and environmental issues. With a PhD from JNU and over a decade of experience, he bridges academia, policy, and grassroots engagement, focusing on Northeast India’s socio-political and environmental challenges.

Dr Weyepe N. Mekrisuh

Project Lead

He is a geoscientist with a PhD from Delhi University, specialising in slope stability analysis and the application of GIS and remote sensing technologies. His work spans natural hazard assessment, climate change studies, and springshed development, with a strong emphasis on practical, community-oriented solutions. Actively engaged in environmental initiatives in Jessami Village, he integrates scientific research with grassroots efforts to advance sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

Ms. Yaoreiphy Horam

Project Co-ordinator

She is a socio-economic researcher with 15+ years of experience in sustainable development, agriculture, and data analysis. She specialises in rural development, impact assessment, and women’s economic participation. She is a consultant at ICAR-DKMA, New Delhi, and a dissertation supervisor at Arden University, Berlin, holding an MPhil from JNU.

Mayocollin Phazang

Secretary

Former student leader with extensive experience in Manipur’s electoral politics, he is a social and political activist. He currently serves as Secretary to 44/AC MLA Ram Muivah (IAS, Retd.). He holds a BA (Hons.) in History and a Master's in History from Delhi University and is passionate about indigenous environmental knowledge and sustainable tribal development.

Yaorei Horam

Legal Consultant

A student leader with extensive experience in social and political issues affecting Indigenous communities, he is passionate about sustainable development, anti-corruption, and environmental concerns. He holds a BA and LL.B. and has professional experience at the Delhi High Court. A dynamic leader and entrepreneur, he actively engages with indigenous issues and promotes indigenous environmental knowledge through innovative, community-driven initiatives.

Dr. Chanthingla Hungyo

Research Lead

She researches climate change adaptation and local governance, focusing on indigenous communities in the Indian Himalayas. She serves as Director and Research Lead at RREA, a sustainable development initiative in Manipur. Her interests span environmental science, policy analysis, and community engagement. She holds a PhD from IIT Mumbai and is based in Sydney.

Pamkhuingam

Co-ordinator (Kamjong)

He belongs to the Tangkhul community and holds a BBA from Madras University and a Bachelor of Divinity from Eastern Theological College, Jorhat. He is pursuing a Master’s in Holistic Child Development, serves with the Mirin Climate Centre, and has practical experience in indigenous forest conservation and sustainability initiatives.

Sangbuan Gonmei

Project Co-ordinator (Tamenglong and Noney)

She holds a Master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), specialising in climate data and spatial analysis. With experience in environmental sustainability research and project coordination, she focuses on climate resilience and is committed to using geospatial technology to drive data-informed climate solutions.

Blessing Horam

Co-ordinator (Ukhrul)

He is a dedicated entrepreneur and is involved in environmental issues in Manipur. He brings a global perspective from his 15-year career as a seafarer, during which he travelled extensively. His experiences inform his commitment to sustainable development and community engagement in Northeast India.

Lum Shaiza

Communication Officer

She has multidisciplinary professional experience in team operations, events, and people-focused roles, with a strong background in marketing and content. Passionate about purpose-driven work, she excels in building collaborative, impact-driven communities. A good communicator and team player, Shaiza thrives in diverse environments and brings people together through empathy, creativity, and a commitment to meaningful outcomes.

Shanghchon Shangh

Programme Implementation and Administrative Lead

She has a background in Forestry and Environmental Sciences, with field experience in Manipur’s State Forest Department and an internship at the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) focused on air quality monitoring. Her interests include sustainability, forest conservation, and community-based climate action initiatives.

Soring Zimik

Technical and Administrative Officer

An experienced online marketing professional with a B.E. in Computer Engineering from Mumbai University. Skilled in digital promotion, analytics, and communication, he is known for his strong interpersonal abilities. He brings strong interpersonal, analytical, and multilingual skills to dynamic digital environments.

Shaokhai Mayirnao

Programme Director

He is a PhD scholar at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, specialising in indigenous communities. Passionate about tribal environmental, social, and political issues, with extensive experience engaging with indigenous communities in Manipur and Nagaland.

Advisory Board

Mrs. Soso Shaiza

She is an Indian educationist and public figure known for her contributions to women’s empowerment and policy advocacy. She formerly served as a member of the National Commission for Women (NCW), where she engaged in addressing gender justice and social equity issues. With a strong background in education, she has worked to promote inclusive learning and institutional development. Currently, she continues her association with the NCW as a member of its advisory board, contributing her expertise to policy guidance.

Dr. Sara Ramzani

She is Vice President Academic and a Senate member at GISMA University of Applied Sciences. An expert in economic sustainability and policy, she specialises in systems-based public economics and strategic policy consulting. Her work spans advisory roles for NGOs, startups, and multilateral institutions, with a strong regional focus on the MENA and EU. She is recognised for advancing innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to public policy, governance, and sustainable economic development in complex global contexts.

Dr. Valliappan Raju

Dr. Raju is a globally recognized researcher and academic, ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, with expertise in research methodology, innovation, and technology-driven systems. He brings strong experience in international research, data-driven solutions, and institutional strategy, supporting the development of scalable and high-impact climate initiatives.