The department aspires to promote and document environmentally conducive indigenous methods and traditional practices of the region by equipping the students with the competency to understand, conserve and practice these methods for livelihoods that will, in turn, contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
Environmental studies is multidisciplinary in nature and is intricately woven into the lives of tribal and indigenous people has led to special importance being accorded to traditional knowledge, culture and environment, and folklore. The department has been engaging in the documentation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo traditional medicine. It has been able to build an active network with the traditional healers’ community. The department was also instrumental in drafting the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Protection and Promotion of Khasi Traditional Medicine) Act, 2011 of the Khasi Hills District Autonomous Council, Meghalaya.
The department is focused on studies and research in surface archaeology, speleology, waste management, land reclamation, traditional knowledge in weather forecasting, and biodiversity conservation. These research areas promote heritage conservation.The department presently offers Master of Science in Environmental Sciences (General and Specialisation).

Programme delivery
Practical: Laboratory Experiments, Case Studies, Field Trips, Community
Engagement, flipped classroom
Theory: lectures, assignments, group discussions, online courses

Career prospects in the Department of Environment and Traditional Ecosystems
NGOs or Environmental Agencies
Waste Management Sector
Social entrepreneurship
Research and educational institutions
Governmental agencies
Grassroots and community-based organizations