National Capacity Needs Self Assessment (NCSA)

CAPACITIES, GAPS AND PRIORITIES FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN THE INDIAN HIMALAYA AND TRANS-HIMALAYA (UTTARANCHAL, HIMACHAL

PRADESH AND JAMMU AND KASHMIR)

Draft Report Submitted to ATREE, Bangalore

ByMeera Anna OommenIndependent Consultant

Last revised Jan 2008

Acknowledgements

The NCSA team at ATREE (Neha Ambastha, Ankila Hiremath, Seema Purushothaman, Kartik Shanker,

Ravi Chellam and Gladwin Joseph) and Ms. Aarthi Sridhar is acknowledged for extensive discussions and

development of methodology. The contribution of the following individuals is acknowledged for their

inputs on regional capacities: Dr. Ashwini Chhatre (Duke University), Mr. Rohit Devlal (Appropriate

Technology, India), Dr. Joseph L. Fox (University of TromsØ, Norway), Prof. Brij Gopal (Jawaharlal

Nehru University), Dr. P.K. Joshi (Indian Institute of Remote Sensing), Dr. C.P. Kala (National Medicinal

Plants Board), Dr. R.K. Maikhuri (GBPIHED), Charudutt Mishra (NCF-Mysore and International Snow-

Leopard Trust), Tsewang Namgail , Dr. M.C. Nautiyal, Dr. Sanjeeva Pandey (Winrock International and

Forest Department), Dr. K. Ramesh (Wildlife Institute of India), Dr. K.S. Rao (CISMHE), Dr. G.S. Rawat

(Wildlife Institute of India), Vinay Tandon (Winrock International and Forest Department), Rajesh

Thadani (CHIRAG) and Rinchen Wanchuk (Snow Leopard Conservancy).

Contents

PART I

1. BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN THE INDIAN HIMALAYA AND TRANS HIMALAYA:

CURRENT STATUS AND THREATS

2. LINKAGES - THE CONTRIBUTION OF INSTITUTIONS AND INITIATIVES TOWARDS

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CBD IN HIMALAYA AND THE TRANS HIMALAYA

3. THEMATIC AREAS AND CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES: CAPACITY STATUS IN THE HIMALAYA AND

THE TRANS HIMALAYA

PART II

4. THE HIMALAYA: CAPACITY STATUS, PRIORITIES AND POTENTIAL PROJECTS FOR THE

HIMALAYA WITH RESPECT TO SPECIFIC ARTICLES OF THE CONVENTION ON BIODIVERSITY

5. THE TRANS HIMALAYA: CAPACITY STATUS, PRIORITIES AND POTENTIAL PROJECTS WITH

RESPECT TO SPECIFIC ARTICLES OF THE CONVENTION ON BIODIVERSITY

6. APPENDICES

Appendix 1a) Capacity status and interlinkages between the MoEF and other ministries b) 1b) Appendix 1b Capacity status and interlinkages of institutions working in the regionAppendix 2 Institutional activities in the region relating to the various CBD requirements

CHAPTER 1

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN THE INDIAN HIMALAYA AND TRANS

HIMALAYA: CURRENT STATUS AND THREATS

Project Overview: The NCSA

The National Capacity Needs Self-Assessment (NCSA) process aims to assess a country’s

capacities for fulfilling its commitments as a signatory to the three international environmental

conventions (the Convention on Biodiversity, the Convention to Combat Desertification, and the

Framework Convention on Climate Change)—and other relevant Multilateral Environmental

Agreements (MEAs)1. The primary goal of conducting the NCSA is to determine national

priorities for capacity development by identifying the strengths and gaps among various

stakeholder groups in the country. This would further facilitate prioritisation of areas and projects

for support to capacity building by the GEF.

Recognising that capacity assessment and capacity development are vital to effectively

implement activities and commitments related to biodiversity conservation, thematic profiles are

being developed to identify priorities in each region of interest. This report deals with a thematic

profile of the Himalaya and Trans Himalaya biogeographic zones of northern India. In this

exercise, the biodiversity conservation capacity strengths, constraints and gaps among

stakeholder groups are analysed and presented along with recommendations and requirements

for detailed study and funding.

Methods

1 These include Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar), Ramsar 1971; Convention on

International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Washington 1973; Convention on the Conservation of

Migratory Species (CMS), Bonn 1979; Vienna Convention for the Protection of Ozone Layer (Ozone), Vienna 1989;

Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes, Basel 1989; Convention on

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), (Stockholm), 2001. Source NCSA Resource Kit.

For the purpose of this study, a number of methods were used. The first step included extensive

reviews of previously published literature on the region and a re-evaluation of the initial linkages

report (this included cross-checking gaps that were reported during this exercise). Primary data

was compiled from an analysis of completed institutional questionnaires (that were sent out

during the stock-taking phase) was carried out and institutional websites. A total of 78

institutions were evaluated in this manner. In addition questionnaires were sent to over 40 key

informants/ experts. and their views (over 30 responses were received) have been incorporated in

this report. Respondents were selected across a range of disciplines with direct relevance to

biodiversity conservation. A gap analysis and prioritisation matrix was then developed to

ascertain the final set of recommendations. Two senior level experts familiar with biodiversity

conservation in the region reviewed the report.

The Study Regions

The Himalaya is one of the largest and youngest mountain ranges of the world, and covers close

to 10% of India’s land area Extending across much of the northern and north-eastern borders of

the country, the Himalayan massif regulates climate for a much of Asia and provides ecosystem

services (especially perennial water systems) to the heavily populated plains of India. It has been

estimated that the ecological services provided by the range is critical for the sustainable

development of over 140 million people who live within these ranges and over 1.4 billion people

who live downstream in over 10 countries (ICIMOD 20041). In addition, due to its unique

location as the meeting place of three biogeographic realms (the Palaearctic, Indo-Malayan and

Mediterranean), species diversity and endemism in the region is considerable. At the same time

as is the case with most mountain ecosystems elsewhere, the region extremely fragile as a

complex result of tectonic activities and anthropogenic influences. On account of its unique and

diverse ecosystems and high levels of threat, the Himalaya has been recently designated as a

global biodiversity hotspot by Conservation international2. Key areas of the Himalaya also find a

place in other major delineations by international organisations such as ecoregions (WWF),

World Heritage Sites (the IUCN and WCMC), and Biosphere Reserves (UNESCO).

1 ICIMOD, 2004. The Hindu Kush-Himalayan Region. http://www.icimod.org.

2 For more information, refer to: http://www.conservation.org/xp/Hotspots/himalaya/

In northern India, the Himalaya extends across the states of Jammu and Kashmir,

Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal (290 to 36 0 N latitude and 740 to 81 0 E longitude). The

Himalayan region falling within this zone is classified into two major biogeographic zones: the

Trans-Himalaya and the Himalaya.

The Trans Himalaya biogeographic zone is located across the divide of the Great

Himalaya. In northern India this zone comprises almost all of Ladakh and Kargil districts

(Jammu and Kashmir), parts of Lahul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts (Himachal Pradesh), parts

of Uttaranchal state. A large percentage of area in the Trans Himalaya is high altitude cold desert

(approx. 100,000 km2), and is characterised by exceptionally low temperatures and precipitation.

The windward slopes of the Great Himalaya and associated ranges form a large

biophysical zone that is classified under the Himalaya biogeographic zone. Ecosystems in this

zone range from the subtropical forests of the Siwaliks to alpine meadows and scrub in the

higher elevations. Also referred to as the Western Himalayan Ecoregion, Singh et al (2002) stress

that the diversity and uniqueness of the Western Himalayan Ecoregion (WHE) is unique in terms

of its latitudinal, altitudinal and moisture gradients. As per the Champion and Seth (1968)

classification, 11 major types (and 47 subtypes including seral stages and disturbance types)

occur in the Himalaya. (Forest types found in the Himalaya as per the Champion and Seth (1968)

classification: Source: Table given on page 22 in Singh NBSAP). The key features of biological

diversity in this region include: 1) wide latitudinal, altitudinal and moisture gradients

encompassing a large number of ecosystem types, 2) high levels of diversity and endemism, 3)

unique examples of agro-biodiversity, 3) species of great commercial value, and 4) unique

indigenous knowledge systems.

This report attempts to investigate the capacities and needs related to biodiversity

conservation in the following provinces (as per the Rodgers and Panwar1988 classification1) of

the Indian Himalaya:

1A – Trans Himalaya – Ladakh Mountains

1B – Trans Himalaya – Tibetan Plateau

1 Rodgers, W.A. and H.S. Panwar. 1988. Panning a Protected Area Network in India. Wildlife Institute of India,

Dehradun. Government of India. 341 pages.

2A – Himalaya – North-west Himalaya

2B – Himalaya – West Himalaya

Flora and Fauna of the Himalaya

The Western Himalaya Ecoregion encompasses one of the largest altitudinal gradients in the

world, ranging from the low elevation Siwaliks to the higher peaks of the Great Himalaya. Forest

types range from tropical to alpine, and as a meeting place of three biogeographic realms,

encompass a unique intermixture of species with both tropical and temperate affinities. Some of

the riches assemblages of wild and medicinal plants are found in this region. It has been

estimated that the region supports over 4500 species of vascular plants (Singh et al 2002). Agro-

biodiversity recorded from the region is also considerable as are recorded medicinal plant species

traditionally used by people. The mid-elevation oak (Quercus sp.) forests found in the region are

ecologically as well as economically important. A number of species such as sal (Shorea

robusta), chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) and deodar (Cedrus deodara) have been extracted for their

wood. Currently extensive harvesting of medicinal species such as Taxus wallichiana, Aconitum

heterophyllum and Picrorrhiza kurrooa are causing concern.

High plant species diversity and productivity of this zone is matched by a diverse

assemblage of faunal elements. Avifauna in this region is diverse and over 640 species of birds

have been reported of which 205 are endemic (Singh et al 2002). Bird species of maximum

conservation importance include the pheasants such as the Western tragopan (Tragopan

melanocephalus), the satyr tragopan (Tragopan satyra) and Cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichi).

The mammalian fauna of the Himalaya is also diverse. The lower altitudes, especially the

Siwalik zone has significant populations of elephant (Elephas maximus), tiger (Panthera tigris)

and other large mammal populations. The temperate zone has a large number of resident species.

Among these include endangered species like the musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), the

Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) and the Kashmir stag or hangul (Cervus elaphus

hangulu). Compared to birds and mammals, reptiles and amphibians are less studied and less

diverse, especially in the higher altitudes. Fish species diversity is considerable and a large

number of fish species have been introduced into the region. The golden mahseer (Tor ), which is

found in the lower and middle altitude streams and rivers, is now endangered. Reliable estimated

of invertebrate diversity for the region are not available. Over 450 species of butterflies

(Lepidoptera), more than 200 species of Hymenoptera, and close to 50 species (each) of

Hemiptera and Isoptera are reported from the region (Singh et al 2002).

Flora and Fauna of the Trans Himalaya

The plant and animal species that manage to exist in this region is well adapted to the harsh,

extreme environmental conditions. Compared to the main Himalaya, this region is floristically

impoverished. Floristically, this region has affinities with the main Himalaya and diverse regions

such as Afghanistan, Tibet, the Mediterranean region and the Indian desert areas. About 750

species of flowering plants have been reported from the region (Chundawat and Rawat 1994)1.

Unique floristic features of this region include a large number of endemics, a high proportion of

monocots and the absence of large tree species. Predominant taxonomic groups include

Asteraceae (Compositae) and Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). The vegetation of the cold desert has

been largely characterized as the Caragana-Lonicera-Artemesia formation which is found all

over the region (Dry alpine scrub as per the Champion and Seth 1968 classification). In this

region, there are a number of species of great medicinal and economic importance, and a result

have great conservation importance. Wild relatives of numerous species including onion (Alium

sp.) rhubarb (Rheum) and Horedum (barley) are found in the Trans Himalaya. It is believed that

over 50% of plants in the region have recorded medicinal value (Kala 20012). Common

medicinal and aromatic plants include species such as Physoclaina praelta and a number of

species belonging to the genera Artemesia, Tanacetum, Delphinium, etc. Trees and shrubs,

particularly Juniperus and Betula utilis which have aromatic as well as medicinal properties

seem to have been over harvested.

Despite low plant diversity and productivity, the fauna is surprisingly diverse and has

elements from the Himalayan as well as Mediterranean and Tibetan regions. Bird life is diverse

and the high altitude wetlands are the breeding grounds for large number of migrants, especially

water birds. Bird families with the highest species diversity are the Muscicapidae (Thrushes,

1 Chundawat, R.S. and G.S Rawat. 1994. Indian Cold Deserts: A Status Report on Biodiversity. Wildlife Institute of

India, Dehradun.

2 Kala, C.P. (2001) A Study of Traditional Health Care & Medicinal Plants. In Anon. (2001) Conserving Bio-

Diversity in the Trans-Himalaya: New Initiatives of Field Conservation in Ladakh. First annual Technical Report

(1999-2000), Wildlife Institute of India, International Snow Leopard Trust and US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Flycatchers & Redstarts &Chats: 32 species), the Sylviidae (Whitethroats & Warblers: 25 sp.),

the Fringillidae (Finches & Buntings: 24 sp.), the Accipitridae (Hawks: 23sp.), the Scolopacidae

(Sandpipers, Snipes & Curlews: 23 sp.), the Passeridae (Sparrows, Wagtails, Pipits & Accentors:

22 sp.), and the Anatidae (Ducks & Geese: 15sp.). Birds found in this region that are of high

conservation value include the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis), Tibetan sand grouse

(Syrrhaptes tibetanus), Tibetan snowcock (Tetragalus tibetanus) , chukar (Alectoris chukar),

golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the bar-headed goose (Anser indicus). A number of

mammal species are found in the region are endangered and are listed under Schedule I of the

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (and in Appendix I of CITES). Examples include the snow

leopard (Uncia uncia), the Ladakh urial or shapu (Ovis vignei vignei), the Tibetan argali or

nayan (Ovis ammon hodgsoni) and the Himalayan ibex (Capra ibex sibirica). Species such as the

wild yak (Bos grunniens), the Tibetan gazelle or goa (Procapra hodgsoni) and the Tibetan

antelope or chiru (Pantholops hodgsoni) found in the Chang Thang region of the Trans Himalaya

are similarly under threat.

Very little is known about other faunal groups. It is known that there are few species of

amphibians and reptiles. Only a few amphibians and reptiles (approximately 12 species) are

adapted to the region. Amphibians are represented by the toads (Bufonidae), reptiles include

agamids (Agamidae - three species of toad agamas are found in this region, even in the Chang

Thang), skinks (Sinicidae), geckos (Geckonidae) and the snake family Colubridae (three species

of colubrid snakes). Since these are not diverse groups, much attention has not been paid to them

and the survey conducted by Wildlife Institute of India in 1999-2001 (Vijayakumar et al 2001)1

remains as one of the few such efforts in the region. Endemic fish diversity is believed to be

considerable, however much has not been published on fish diversity in the region. A number of

species belonging to the loach family (Homaopteridae) and a carp species (Cyprinidae) have

been reported from the region (Humbert-Droz 2001)2.

1 Vijayakumar, S.P., K. Vasudevan and B.C Choudhury. 2001. A Preliminary Survey of Herpetofauna in the Ladakh

Region. In: Conserving Biodiversity in the Trans Himalaya: New Initiatives of Field Conservation in Ladakh. First

Annual Technical Report (1999-2000), Wildlife Institute of India, International Snow Leopard Trust and the U.S

Fish and Wildlife Service.2 Humbert-Droz, B. 2001. Survey findings and priorities for protection of the Chang Thang region of Ladakh and

Upper Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Unpublished report, Worldwide Fund for Nature, Gland, Switzerland and

New Delhi. Cross-reference.

Invertebrate diversity in the region is largely undocumented and still remains to be

explored in detail. A number of surveys were conducted in the Trans Himalayan regions during

the seventies (Mani 19621) and a few recent studies have added to them. These include

Maheshwari (2000)2 and also surveys by the Wildlife Institute of India (Uniyal , the WWF

(Humbert-Droz 2001) .

Threats to biodiversity conservation in the Himalaya

Deforestation

Deforestation was and continues to be a major threat to biodiversity conservation in this region.

Commercial logging was a major problem in the recent past (especially during the colonia era for

railway expansion and post independence). Currently, firewood and fodder extraction, frequent

forest fires, road construction, etc. contribute to deforestation and forest fragmentation. Many

forests especially in the lower and middle elevations are affected and there are hardly any

completely undisturbed slopes left behind that encompass large altitudinal gradients. Commercial

exploitation was aimed at both lower elevation species such as sal (Dalbergia sissoo), and chir

pine (Pinus roxburghii) as well as conifers from the higher elevation (e.g. deoadar, Cedrus

deodara). In the middle elevations, oaks are preferred fodder species and many communities

practice lopping of trees.

Commercial extraction of medicinal plants

One of the major problems facing the region is the unregulated extraction of medicinal and

aromatic plants for commercial purposes. Although traditionally, a large number of plants have

been utilised, current levels of extraction are much higher and cannot be sustained on a long-

term. A number of medicinal species (such as Taxus wallichiana and Aconitum heterophyllum)

are now under threat. In addition commercialisation has taken place without adequate regulations

in place and infringe on benefit sharing and IPR arrangements. There is an urgent need to frame

specific biotechnology, sustainable use, benefit sharing and IPR guidelines specific to this

1 Mani, M.S. 1962. Introduction to High Altitude Entomology. Methuen and Co., Ltd., London.2 Maheshwari, G. (2000). A survey of bio-indicator community of Chironomidae (Diptera) of North-West Himalayan

lakes. National consultation on conservation of high altitude wetlands in Ladakh. WWF-India at Leh, July 2000.

region. Currently some amount of base line information is available for the region (for details,

see Misra 20033).

Grazing

Grazing in the alpine pastures has been practiced over a long-term and exists in some sort of

equilibrium. However, when grazing is carried out in the forests, there are adverse consequences.

Regeneration is affected and seedlings are often damaged. Species such as oaks are particularly

under threat. Grazing in conjunction with settlements within sub-alpine forests lead to gap

formation (as people also lop wood) and failure in regeneration.

Invasive species

The spread of invasive species such as Lantana, Eupatorium and Parthenium continues to cause

problems for the region. Continued spread of Lantana in the lower elevations has led to

persistent fires as well as failure in the regeneration of native species and carbon loss. Higher

elevation areas are also under threat from exotics (for example the Valley of Flowers N.P).

Poaching

Poaching is still a problem in some areas of the Himalaya and some large mammals and large-

bodied birds are targeted. Musk Deer is still poached and traded in considerable numbers and

adequate measures need to be taken. The conduits for musk deer poaching are the valleys

bordering Nepal and Tibet. In the main Himalaya, hunting of tahr and sambar and pheasants,

partridges, etc. takes place on a small scale. In the lower elevations, especially the Siwaliks, the

problem is more pronounced and large ungulates are frequently trapped or shot for the pot. It is

important to distinguish between low level subsistence use by local communities in sparsely

populated areas as opposed to targeted commercial exploration of selected species.

Growth of orchards

In parts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir plantations such as apple are well

established and seen as a model for economic growth. However, in most of these regions, the

3 Misra, M.K. 2003. Baseline information on medicinal plant conservation and sustainable utilization. Overview

Report. Sponsored by UNDP/GEF, MoEF, GoI and coordinated by the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health

Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore.

growth of orchards have resulted in clear-felling of trees for wood for packing cases, extensive

use of pesticides, and damage to pollination systems. The decline in prices of fruit (as was seen

in the case of H.P) also have detrimental effects on the economy as a whole.

Pollution and eutrophication

Pollution of river systems water and bodies and eutrophication of lakes have had adverse effects

on aquatic systems. These seem to be very serious problems in Kashmir as well as in the

Kumaon region of Uttaranchal (Nainital in particular). Some of the lakes are in need of urgent

restoration measures.

Global warming

Global warming is a definite threat to the region and evidence for the region is already been

gathered from glacial retreat (insert ref on recent Nature paper), range contraction and

phonological changes of species (Singh et al. 19971) as well as temperature and season changes.

An important point to note is that local communities are on the whole unaware of such changes

and need to be educated on such aspects.

Threats to biodiversity conservation in the Trans-Himalaya

Information on threats in this zone have been summarised largely from the NBSAP documents

on Ladakh, Lahul and Spiti and Kinnaur.

Changes in lifestyles and economic structures

On account of it remote location and economic and cultural alliances with Tibet, Pakistan and

parts of Central Asia, Ladakh was more or less sheltered from change till Indian independence.

As borders with China and Pakistan became closed for barter, new alliances had to be developed

with the rest of India. This resulted in a departure from traditional trading practices, commodities

and employment. Key aspects of Ladakhi economy such as the caravan trade, trade in pashmina

as well as nomadic lifestyles were disrupted as Ladakh realigned itself with the rest of India.

Traditional social structures and lifestyles also changed (examples of change include population

1 Singh, S.P., Y.S. Rawat and S.C. Garkoti. 1997. Failure of brown oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) to regenerate in

Central Himalaya: A case of environmental semisurprise. Current Science 73(4):371-374.

explosion and a switch from polyandrous systems). For a more detailed account of changes and

threats, see Humber-Droz et al 2002. These in turn affected changes in urban and rural structures

relating to the use of natural resources and biodiversity conservation and are explained further in

the following paragraphs.

Human-wildlife conflict

The region (Ladakh in particular) has seen dramatic increases in numbers of livestock which

seems to be partly a result of government schemes to boost wool, milk and meat production

(Humber-Droz et al 2002). A number of cross-breeding programmes were also initiated with

exotic and local livestock. It has been pointed out that increased numbers in livestock would not

only cause degradation to the already fragile area, but also bring wild ungulates in direct

competition for fodder. A number of wild ungulates whose habitat preferences overlap with that

of livestock (e.g., shapu, nayan, kiang) are now endangered; on the other hand, species such

inhabiting rocky, inaccessible terrain (e.g. bharal, ibex) seem to be doing better in assessments.

(For detailed discussion on these topics, see Mallon 19901, Fox et al. 19912, Mishra et al 20023,

Bhatnagar and Wanchuk 20014). Conflicts between humans and carnivores such as the snow

leopard and wolf can also be looked at from the point of view of livestock increases. Studies

have reported high levels of depredation by snow leopards in and around protected areas

(Jackson and Wanchuk 20015). ‘Surplus killings’ where a large number (sometimes more than a

hundred in a single incident) of sheep and goats are killed often provoke retaliation from local

1 Mallon, D. 1990. Status and conservation of large mammals in Ladakh. Biological Conservation 56:101-119.2 Fox, J.L., C. Norbu, and R.S Chundawat. 1991. The mountain ungulates of Ladakh, India. Biological Conservation

58:167-190.

3 Mishra, C., S.E. Van Wieren, I.M.A. Heitkonig, & H.H.T. Prins, 2002. A theoretical analysis of competitive

exclusion in a Trans-Himalayan large-herbivore assemblage. Animal Conservation 5: 251-258.4 Bhatnagar, Y.V. and R. Wanchuk. 2001. Status survey of large mammals in Eastern Ladakh and Nubra. . In:

Conserving Biodiversity in the Trans Himalaya: New Initiatives of Field Conservation in Ladakh. First Annual

Technical Report (1999-2000), Wildlife Institute of India, International Snow Leopard Trust and the U.S Fish and

Wildlife Service.5 Jackson, R. and R. Wanchuk. 2001. Linking snow leopard conservation and people-wildlife conflict resolution:

Grassroots measures to protect the endangered snow leopard from herder retribution. Endangered Species

UPDATE. 18(4):138-141.

people. Mishra (20071) reported for the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary (in Lahaul and Spiti District)

that over 18% of livestock holdings were killed by snow leopard and wolf amounting to a loss of

approximately US $ 128 per household (average annual income per household in this region was

between US $ 200 and 400. Conflict however is not a new thing, historically communities have

subsisted with low levels of depredation (and had evolved their own largely effective traditional

forms of controlling depradation, example wolf trapping in various villages in the Trans

Himalaya), but increased retaliatory killings and intolerance have now called for conservation

measures (Chundawat and Rawat 19942, Mishra 19973).

Changes related to agro-pastoralist systems

In addition to changes in livestock populations a number of changes have been brought about

with respect to cropping patterns, production systems and introduction of exotic-crossbreeds. A

number of programmes have been initiated within the region that promote exotic varieties of

crops and may result in the disappearance of local varieties. Fertiliser has been subsidised and

the cultivation of cheap leguminous fodder with the help of irrigation is encouraged. Of special

concern is the fact that alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is now one of the most important crops in

Ladakh district (Mir 20024). A number of plantation programmes have also been initiated in the

region that have undesirably 1) planted trees in areas that are not suitable for tree growth, 2)

carried out this planting with fast growing exotics.

Extraction of medicinal and aromatic plants

Large quantities of medicinal and aromatic species are extracted from the region. These include

species such as Ephedra gerardiana, Aconitum heterophyllum, Artemisia brevifolia and

Podophyllum hexandrum. Slow growing species such as Juniper that are an integral part of

1 Mishra, C. 1997. Livestock depredation by large carnivores in the Indian trans-Himalaya: conflict perceptions and

conservation prospects. Environmental Conservation 24(4):338-343.2 Chundawat, R.S. and G.S Rawat. 1994. Indian Cold Deserts: A Status Report on Biodiversity. Wildlife Institute of

India, Dehradun.

3 Mishra, C. 1997. Livestock depredation by large carnivores in the Indian trans-Himalaya: Conflict, perceptions and

conservation prospects. Environmental Conservation 24 (4):338–343.4 Mir, A.A. 2002. Protection of local varieties of cereals. Paper presented at the Biodiversity Strategy and Action

Plan Workshop, organized by LEDeG, Leh, October 2002. Cross-reference.

Tibetan religious ceremonies are also being extensively extracted. There has been growing

concern about the future of some of these plant populations as unregulated extraction and

commercialisation has resulted in near extinctions and few benefits to local communities. Some

organisations have speculated that Aconites and Podophyllum seem to be on the brink of

extinction and estimated that for a few species, there has been up to an 80% depletion in

population1. Added to the loss of species, there also seem to be the problem of insufficient

economic and intellectual property benefits to local communities. Many species currently

extracted have been traditionally used by the Tibetan healers or amchis and their discovery has

been largely due to local knowledge about their medicinal and aromatic value. Inventories and

information on medicinal plants have been attempted for many areas in the trans Himalaya (for

details, see Misra 20032).

Tourism and other developmental activities

The positive impacts of tourism include high revenue generation and development of

infrastructure since the region was opened up to outsiders in the 1960s and 70s. However, the

negative impacts of a sudden, unregulated influx of tourists into these ecologically fragile areas

have been numerous. There has been disturbance and destruction of wildlife especially in the

higher altitude regions. Disturbances by tourists include collection of rare and endangered

species (particularly plants and butterflies). The physical disturbance of species including people

physically chasing kiang and black-necked cranes as well as dumping of garbage in marmot

burrows (Humbert-Droz et al 2002). A large number of tourists undertake treks that result in the

overgrazing of areas around trails and campsites by accompanying pack animals. The impact of

jeep safaris are particularly intrusive and cause soil compaction and degradation in the Chang

Thang region. Inadequate garbage disposal facilities as well as the pollution of water bodies with

faecal matter are also problems (include info. On traditional dry toilets).

It is important that since tourism brings in revenues to the region, ecologically friendly methods

need to be promoted. Currently, the home stays systems in Ladakh are being experimented on a

large scale, however the ecological and cultural impacts need to be further examined.

1 Information from Pragya website: http://www.pragya.org/nwproar.htm accessed on 9 September 2006.2 Misra, M.K. 2003. Baseline information on medicinal plant conservation and sustainable utilization. Overview

Report. Sponsored by UNDP/GEF, MoEF, GoI and coordinated by the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health

Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore.

Other impacts

Primary among the other impacts, is the role played by the armed forces that has a significant

presence in this strategically important region. Although this has had a number of positive

impacts (by way of employment to the youth, increased demand for local produce, etc.), in the

past a great deal of hunting used to take place, and currently disturbance of wildlife and the

habitat degradation are problematic. However at the higher level, the army is committed to

conservation and open to helping out with conservation initiatives and could be of great potential

to biodiversity conservation activities such as eco-restoration, patrolling and limiting trade in

endangered species (Humbert-Droz et al. 2002). Their presence in far-flung border areas can

especially useful in providing logistic support. The activities of the Field Research Laboratory,

Leh and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is particularly

noteworthy with respect to conservation initiatives of alpine medicinal plants (Chaurasia et al.

n.d1).

Among other problems that need to be highlighted include poaching of large mammals

such as the snow leopard and chiru. Although sport hunting was widespread in the trans

Himalaya during the British period and extensive hunting of selected species (especially

ungulates) by the armed forces was prevalent in certain areas, poaching for commercial gains in

the international market has more detrimental impacts. The International Snow Leopard Trust

points out that there seems to be increasing linkages between poaching and the lucrative illegal

trade in pelts and body parts.2 The small population of chiru found in the Aksai Chin area of

Ladakh may be also vulnerable to poaching.

1 Chaurasia, O.P., B. Ballabh and R. Raut. n.d. Indian Army and green governance: Conserving medicinal plants of

Ladakh Himalaya. Biodiversity and Business, pp. 9-11.2 Source: http://www.snowleopard.org/news/currentnews/whereinthewildindia/document_view

CHAPTER 2

LINKAGES - THE CONTRIBUTION OF INSTITUTIONS AND INITIATIVES

TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CBD IN HIMALAYA AND THE TRANS

HIMALAYA

Brief summary of past and ongoing assessments within and outside the framework of the

CBD

The Himalaya and Trans Himalaya have been focus areas as part of national conservation

assessments as well as a number of smaller regional thematic initiatives. The MoEF in its plans

and policies such as the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002), the Biodiversity Act (2002),

Biodiversity Rules (2004), and the National Environmental Policy (2006)1, has accorded

importance to both areas on account of their global significance with respect to their richness and

uniqueness of biodiversity as well as fragility and sensitivity to degradation (India: Third

National Report to the CBD 2005). The Indian Forest Act, 1947 and Wildlife (Protection) Act

1972 also have provisions built for basic biodiversity conservation in the Himalaya.

The recently concluded National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), a

participatory panning process that involved various stakeholder groups considered both regions

within the framework of analysis. A Western Himalaya ecoregional plan (Singh et al 20022) was

prepared separately as were plans for the sub-state level for Munsiari (FES 20033), Ladakh

(Dawa and Humbert-Droz NBSAP 20024), Lahul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts (Tribal

1 MoEF. 2006. National Environmental Policy. Ministry of Environment and Forests. Government of India.

Approved by the Union Cabinet on 18th May 2006.2 Singh, S.P. (ed.). 2002. Western Himalayan Ecoregional Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Prepared under the

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, India.3 Gori River Basin Sub-State BSAP 2003. Full citation. Foundation for Ecological Security (FES). 2003. A

Biodiversity Log and Strategy Input Document for the Gori River Basin. Western Himalayan Ecoregion, Dst.

Pithoragarh, Uttaranchal. A substate process under the NBSAP-India. Submitted to the MoEF, GoI, New Delhi.4 Ladakh Sub-State BSAP 2003. Full citation. Ladakh Ecological Development Group, LEDeG. 2003. Ladakh Sub–

State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Preparation coordinated by Dawa, S. & Humbert-Droz, B., LEDeG.

Prepared under the National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan – India, executed by the Ministry of Environment

& Forests, Government of India, technical implementation by the Technical & Policy Core Group (TPCG)

coordinated by Kalpavriksh and administrative coordination by Biotech Consortium India Ltd., funded by the

Development Department, H.P. and State Council for Science and Technology1) in the Trans

Himalaya. State-level action plans were also produced for Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal

Pradesh and Uttaranchal as were regions of particular importance within the Himalaya such as

the Siwaliks (Mehta 20022 NBSAP). These documents provide a comprehensive discussion of

two main components for the regions: 1) an overview of ecological and physical features, and 2)

a review of various issues related to biodiversity conservation, and action plans and strategies for

future work. In addition, these reports prepared by the working groups have the distinction of

taking progressive steps and stresses on issues such as incentives to people, valuation of

resources and restructuring of forest services. Such integration of biodiversity, livelihoods and

sustainable use issues are especially significant for the fragile ecosystems of the Himalaya. The

outputs of these assessments have been used in other completed as well as ongoing assessments

(see for example the Thematic Report on Mountain Ecosystems3).

A number of international initiatives also focus on Himalayan ecosystems and species.

For example, certain high altitude wetlands in the Trans Himalaya receive specific attention

under the framework of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971) and subsequent resolutions

and initiatives such as the Himalaya Wetlands Conservation Initiative that covers high altitude

wetlands of the Himalaya, Hindu Kush and Pamir Alay (see Lei 20054 for a review).

Assessments have been carried out by organisations such as the WWF and Wetlands

International. Species receiving individual attention include large charismatic carnivores such as

the snow leopard (Wikramanayake et al 2006) and species come under the ambit of international

trade through CITES (example the Tibetan antelope as well as a large number of medicinal

plants). The Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) workshops conducted on

various taxonomic groups also include a number of species from the region. For many of these

Global Environment Facility through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).1 Lahaul ad Spiti Sub-State BSAP 2002. Full citation. Tribal Development Department, H.P and State Council for

Science and Technology. 2002. Sub-State Site Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (Lahaul and Spiti and

Kinnaur). Submitted to TPCG (NBSAP), MoEF, GoI, New Delhi.2 Shiwalik Sub-State BSAP 2002. Full citation. Mehta, H.S. (Co-ordinator). 2002. Shiwaliks Biodiversity Strategy

and Action Plan. A sub-state process under the NBSAP-India. Submitted to the MoEF, GoI, New Delhi.3 http://www.biodiv.org/doc/world/in/in-nr-me-en.doc accessed on 30th August 2006.4 Lei, G. 2005. A Review of the Himalayan Wetlands Conservation Initiative. Asia Regional Meeting in preparation

for Ramsar CoP9, Beijing.

initiatives there are interlinkages and collaborations between international and Indian

organizations.

As is the case with many ecosystems in India, the various commitments under the CBD

has promoted biodiversity conservation within the Himalaya as well. Dhar (2002) contends that

although such exercises have helped in building up baseline information, significant gaps still

exist with regard to evaluation and implementation of articles under the CBD. Primary among

these is the need to build on baseline information and develop approaches to prioritisation and

action plans for conservation. Equally important are assessments regarding recent cross-cutting

issues such as climate change, which are known to affect the Himalayan regions

disproportionately. At present, considering the vastness of the region and the potential impacts to

biodiversity, very few assessments have taken place for the region (but see Shresta 20031).

Linkages among various stakeholder groups - status, capacities and gaps

For this regional assessment the linkages among various stakeholder groups are identified in the

linkages report by presenting a short write up on the status, core-capacities and requirements for

improvement. Stakeholders in the following categories are considered.

• Central Government Ministries

• Central Government Departments, sub-ordinate offices

• Autonomous institutions

• University /Academic Institutions

• Non Governmental Organizations

• International Initiatives

• National Initiatives

The linkages among various stakeholder groups—government ministries, departments,

subordinate institutions, autonomous institutes, nongovernmental organisations, universities and

1 Shrestha, K.L. 2003. Global impact assessment for Himalayan mountain regions: Resource management and

sustainable development. Final Report.

initiatives—are assessed. In this section, the status core competencies and strengths as well as

major gaps and requirements are summarised for easy reference. An analysis of capacities of

major laws and policies for the region are also identified. This list is not comprehensive. Only

those stakeholders that have direct interests in the region or have the potential to contribute to

biodiversity conservation in the Himalaya and Trans Himalaya have been included. Information

for a number of stakeholders is incomplete and difficult to obtain. The information for this

analysis has been derived from institutional websites, annual reports, completed questionnaires

and publications. This assessment of interlinkages is presented as an appendix (Appendices 1 a

and 1b) for ease of presentation. A presence-absence matrix of activities of stakeholders in

various spheres is provided in Appendix 2.

At the highest level, i.e., at the level of ministries, there is poor integration with respect to

the conservation of biodiversity. Although most ministries are involved in common activities

such as overseeing of administration, funding and infrastructural support, training, capacity

building, research and development and policy making, the specific mandates of some ministries

are contradictory to that of the MoEF. Find Examples for Himalaya Departments within

ministries such as the DBT and DST also need to be brought on a common platform of

awareness about issues regarding the conservation of biodiversity. Similarly there seems to be an

urgent need to improve networking between institutions that oversee a large number of

subordinate institutions. Examples include the CSIR, DST and ICFRE.

Overall institutional capacities for the region

Tables 1 and 2 present the institutional capacities in the two focal regions. These results are

based on a survey of individuals working in the region. A summary of these is provided further

on.

Table 1 Institutional capacities in infrastructure, human resources and other issues in the Himalaya

No. Infrastructure Non existent Poor Adequate1 Office space & facilities 5 62 Field stations 2 93 Transportation facilities 9 24 Field equipment 1 9 15 GIS facilities, Computers & Software 1 4 66 Communication facilities 1 6 4

7 Libraries & documentation facilities 8 3

8 Herbaria, Museums and other repositories 3 4 4

9 Molecular Biology Labs 7 4

10 Germplasm/ Tissue Culture facilities 3 6 211 Other (Specify) Tools for Awareness

Conservation Models11

Human Resources Non existent Poor Adequate12 Networking capabilities 1 7 3

13 Fund raising capabilities 1 8 214 Administrators 6 515 Biologists 6 5

16 Taxonomists 2 917 Statisticians 4 718 Social scientists 1 8 219 Trainers and outreach personnel 1 7 320 Laboratory technicians 2 8 1

21 Research fellows and students 8 322 Field assistants & support staff 7 423 Policy groups 2 8 224 Advocacy groups 7 225 Other (specify) Conservationists/Activists 1

Inter-Institutional Issues Non existent Poor Adequate26 Inter-institutional collaboration 3 6 1

27 Participation in networks 1 928 Engagement with the government 6 4

29 Others (specify)Data Sharing 1

Outputs Non existent Poor Adequate

30 Databases 2 7 2

31 Websites 2 7 232 Peer-reviewed publications 4 6 133 Conferences, workshops, symposia 1 6 3

34 Others (specify) 1

Table 2Institutional capacities in infrastructure, human resources and other issues in the Trans Himalaya

No. Infrastructure Non existent Poor Adequate1 Office space & facilities 2 42 Field stations (1) 2 43 Transportation facilities 1 54 Field equipment 55 GIS facilities, Computers & Software 2 46 Communication facilities 5 1

7 Libraries & documentation facilities 6

8 Herbaria, Museums and other repositories 2 4

9 Molecular Biology Labs (1) 4 1

10 Germplasm/ Tissue Culture facilities (1) 4 111 Other (Specify)

Human Resources Non existent Poor Adequate12 Networking capabilities 1 5

13 Fund raising capabilities 1 4 114 Administrators (1) 3 215 Biologists 2 4

16 Taxonomists (1) 3 217 Statisticians (1) 2 218 Social scientists 2 3 119 Trainers and outreach personnel 1 520 Laboratory technicians (1) 2 3

21 Research fellows and students 1 522 Field assistants & support staff 1 3 223 Policy groups 2 3 124 Advocacy groups 1 4 125 Other (specify)

Inter-Institutional Issues Non existent Poor Adequate26 Inter-institutional collaboration 1 5

27 Participation in networks 1 528 Engagement with the government 5 1

29 Others (specify)

Outputs Non existent Poor Adequate30 Databases 2 3 1

31 Websites 2 432 Peer-reviewed publications 2 333 Conferences, workshops, symposia 4 2

34 Others (specify)

1. Do institutions have clearly defined and understood missions and mandates?

Mission/ Strategic Management (WH)

There are very few institutions dealing with the Himalaya as their primary thematic mandate.

The few examples include the GBPIHED, the HRFI, etc. Similarly, many of these institutions are

still largely focused towards simple inventories of flora and fauna (BSI, ZSI, FSI). Hardly any of

the institutional mandates deal with other articles of the CBD. However, in the light of new

developments such as the CBD, the MoEF has initiated the re-orientation of some if these survey

organisations (see for example, MoEF 1999). The organisations that deal with such issues such

as sustainable use and indigenous knowledge are usually NGOs. Institutional mandates towards

clauses dealing with current crucial issues such as biotechnology and transfer of genetic

resources should be built in. International organisations such as the UNDP and the World Bank

have a presence in the region by way of research projects undertaken1 and implemented by

funded institutions.

The mandate of the Forest Department is still largely aimed towards resource extraction

and forestry techniques. The wildlife divisions are weak and there is no specialised biodiversity

division. FD mandates should be re-oriented towards the protection of biodiversity and

ecosystem services.

Mission/ Strategic Management (TH)

The trans Himalayan zone is yet to have an institution dedicated to holistic biodiversity

conservation of this fragile zone. This is particularly so with regard to government institutions.

1 For example, UNDP initiatives in environment and biodiversity conservation in Uttaranchal are listed at

http://www.undp.org.in/Programme/undpini/uttaranchal.pdf (UNDP Initiatives in Uttaranchal) and Jammu and

Kashmir are listed at http://www.undp.org.in/Programme/undpini/UNDP%20Initiatives%20in%20J&K.pdf

(UNDP Initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir).

Other than the Forest Department, a large central institution for the region is absent. On the other

hand, a number of international organisations have been involved in the region and have offices

located within it. Examples include the International Snow Leopard Trust, Snow Leopard

Conservancy, etc. For many of the institutions, current missions are towards the protection of

certain species (chiru, snow leopard) or ecosystems (WWF, wetlands). Although flagship/

charismatic, large-vertebrate centric approaches are needed and still pertinent to a large extent,

there needs to be more focus towards conservation of overall diversity. Currently, the onus is on

these scattered NGOs to develop sustainable use models as well as in developing incentives to

mitigate human wildlife conflicts.

In this region, institutions such as the Armed Forces are involved in BD related issues

(e.g. The Field Research Laboratory, Leh). Awareness generation among these institutions about

BD conservation needs to be brought into the mandate of the primary organisations.

2. Are the institutions effectively structured and managed?

Structure and Management (WH)

Institutions are not clearly structured or managed. They seem to be top heavy. In some cases,

there are a large number of scientists and administrative support staff and fewer research fellows

and students. This problem has already been highlighted in the course of preparing re-structuring

plans for organisations such as the ZSI and the BSI (see MoEF 1999). Although not comparable

to other government institutions elsewhere in the country, these are to a large extent bureaucratic.

In the forest department, a larger number of forest guards and lower level staff are

necessary. Field staff such as forest guards and watchers being employed on a temporary basis

for long periods of time and not offered permanent jobs is an issue which needs to be addressed

for efficient functioning of the department. The FD is seen as hierarchical and bureaucratic.

Motivational issues are common across all levels. At the same time there are exemplary officers

in the region who can be effective role models for others.

For some organisations, restructuring has been attempted at least on paper. For example,

as a first step towards meeting the goals of the CBD, a national seminar on restructuring the roles

of the BSI and ZSI was conducted by the MoEF (MoEF 1999).

Structure and Management (TH)

FD staff particularly field staff such as forest guards are few. The FD is less hierarchical in nature

here probably owing to cultural differences such as the absence of caste.

3. Do institutional process such as planning, quality management, monitoring and evaluation

wok effectively?

Processes (WH)

Institutional process especially relating to quality control are few or non-existent.

FD seems to have a more clear (but outdated ?) set of procedures (for example preparation of

working plans, budgets, etc) but it must be investigated as to how some of these activities can be

brought up-to-date involving current environmental issues and paradigms (climate change,

ecosystem services, etc.).

Processes (TH)

4. Are human resources adequate, sufficiently skilled and appropriately deployed?

Human Resources (WH)

In some cases, there are a large number of scientists and administrative support staff and fewer

research fellows and students. This problem has already been highlighted in the course of

preparing re-structuring plans for organisations such as the ZSI and the BSI (See MoEF 1999).

In the field, forest guards and lower level staff cannot handle large beats. Incentives and

allowances for good work are few and many of the forest department staff have also been

employed on a temporary basis for long periods of time. Awareness about basic/general

principles of PA management should be imparted to all levels of staff. The same includes for the

basic principles of biodiversity conservation and the value of ecosystem services. As suggested

by the Western Himalaya ecoregional plan of the NBSAP (Singh et al NBSAP), the FD staff

should be re-oriented towards holistic BD conservation, not just mensuration and commercial

exploitation.

Human Resources (TH)

The number of people involved in biodiversity conservation in the region is not adequate. With

respect to scientific expertise, significant inputs from national level institutes, regional

educational centres and Indian as well as international conservation NGOs are notable. The local

resource base of biodiversity experts is growing especially for Ladakh. The institutions of the

armed forces also contribute scientific expertise. The Forest Department is currently understaffed

in most parts of the trans Himalaya.

5. Is required information available and effectively distributed and managed?

Information Resources (WH)

A number of clearinghouse initiatives have been specifically initiated for the Himalaya (e.g.

ENVIS node at GBPIHED) and the region is also covered under several national clearinghouse

activities such as the AICOPTAX. However, it would also be useful to have a few websites or

databases dealing with very basic information dissemination about biodiversity that is accessible

to all. This could be done in English as well as the local language. It will also be useful to initiate

networks of individuals involved in BD conservation. Currently there seems to be a lot of

duplication of work as a result of a lack of awareness about ongoing and completed research in

the region.

Peer-reviewed publications in medium-level journals, such as Current Science are

considerable. The exceptions are papers in plant ecology that find a place in reputed international

journals. In general, there are considerable more publications on higher plants and mammals than

other taxonomic groups. Currently, literature on related aspects of BD conservation such

ethnobotany, indigenous knowledge, community forestry and policy are increasing.

One of the few world class library and documentation centres of the region is located

within the WII, which houses information on BD and related topics for the whole country. This

library subscribes and archives a considerable number of international peer-reviewed journals as

well books, reports and project documents. A number of searchable databases and other library-

based assistance is available here.

Since a number of institutions with overlapping objectives are found in the region, the

creation of a web-based database of publications would be relevant for the area. The Extension

division of FRI produces Van Anusandhan Patrika in Hindi for employees which is distributed

free of cost. It will be useful to develop such newsletters for farmers and lay people in vernacular

languages.

Information Resources (TH)

Information resources are fewer for the trans Himalaya. This is true of peer-reviewed literature as

well as general information such as websites and printed material. There needs to be a

clearinghouse mechanism for various topics in this region. The creation of a database of

publications would be relevant for the region

6. Are financial resources managed effectively and allocated appropriately to enable effective

operation?

Financial Resources (WH)

Conservation International has recently redesignated the entire Himalaya as a hotspot.

Institutions should capitalise on this designation of the region and gather funds for more research

and monitoring activities.

Financial Resources (TH)

Conservation of flagships has brought in international funds.

7. Are material requirements such as buildings, offices, vehicles, computers allocated properly

and managed effectively?

Infrastructure (WH)

Infrastructure development is poor in general for the region and this is reflected in the

institutions as well. However, when compared with each other, infrastructure and facilities are

variable. Certain organisations (such as the WII, IIRS) stress on this aspect and in addition to

buildings and transportation have succeeded in setting up state of the art facilities such as

libraries, labs, computer and GIS units.

Infrastructure (TH)

SCIENTIFIC TECHNICAL CAPACITY

8. Are scientists in biodiversity institutions equipped with the requisite skills?

Basic competencies are available in the region when one takes into account the large number of

scientists who have doctoral degrees. However there is a paucity of certain skills such as

taxonomic expertise. Biodiversity research is still in its descriptive stages and it is important that

scientists also concentrate on research output that is of a more analytical nature.

9. Is there sufficient information on genes, species, ecosystems and ecosystem function?

Species and genetic level information depend on taxa. When comparisons between taxonomic

groups are made, inventories are good for some species and non-existent for others. Even among

plants and mammals which are the best studied groups, inventories and basic information cannot

be termed as adequate. There is even less research on ecosystems and ecosystem function

especially in the light of crucial environmental issues such as global change. It may be

worthwhile at this point to develop additional uniform sampling protocols for projects and

individuals working in the region. Such an exercise would enable the collection of simple, yet

crucial information on some basic parameters in addition to the work carried out by a particular

individual or group.

10. What is the extent and quality of linkages between research institutions and biodiversity

regulatory agencies?

Currently, the linkages are inadequate. Linkages with regulatory, permit giving authorities such

as the National Biodiversity Authority are still being established. Other primary regulatory

bodies such as the customs and police departments need to be developed. For example, results

from forensic research especially leading to species identification is of importance for the

customs departments. The Indian Army, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indo-Tibetan

Border Police (ITBP), etc . need to be brought into this loop especially in remote border areas

that have a history of cross-border trade in wildlife parts.

Inter-institutional linkages (between research institutions) – To cite an example, the ZSI

has identified inter-institutional collaborative work as part of its objective for taxonomic studies1.

This indicates that the institution has taken cognisance of gaps/limitation within its structure and

is taking positive steps to counter them. HFRI has a Research Coordination Division that

coordinates with the State Forest Department and other research institutions in the country2. The

Field Research Laboratory (FRL), Leh and Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory (DARL),

1 http://www.envfor.nic.in/zsi/2 http://hfri.icfre.org/Research%20Divisions-coordination.htm

Pitthoragarh of the DRDO specifically lists a number of collaborating agencies1 (within as well

outside DRDO). These include both govt. and NGOs within and outside the country and shows

that the institution is open for collaboration. The National Institute of Science Communication

and Information Resources – lists inter-institutional collaboration as one of its mandates2.

11. What is the status and quality of scientific infrastructure?

The quality of scientific infrastructure is extremely variable. There are a few (mostly

government) institution whose scientific infrastructure such as GIS facilities and molecular lbs

can be comparable to world class institutions. However, the majority of institutions are small set

ups. This is more so in the case of the Trans Himalaya. Most NGOs in the region are limited by

their budgets and work with very basic scientific infrastructure.

12. Are S&T policies comprehensible? Do they give sufficient guidance for overall development

of S&T in biodiversity?

Policies do not seem to evolve from research outputs and there is no formal visible interlinkage

between the two. This could be because such outputs take time to be integrated into policies and

legislations and partly because most policy level documents and activities are initiated at the

centre. It is extremely important that policy makers for the region are made aware of general

scientific outputs relevant to their subject (and not just stemming from research within the

Himalaya). The onus for such awareness generation is on the scientific community. These could

include periodic briefings, interaction sessions and annual research seminars by institutions and

research scientists. A few very crucial themes where such linkages need to be made include:

global change research, ehtnobotany, biotechnology and intellectual property rights and patents,

PA identification, prioritisation and management, economic valuation and ecosystem services,

and reconciliation ecology.

1 http://www.drdo.org/labs/dls/frl/interact.shtml, http://www.drdo.org/labs/dls/darl/interact.shtml2 http://www.niscair.res.in/aboutus/about.asp?a=topframe.htm&b=leftcon.asp&c=mandate.htm&d=test1

CHAPTER 3

THEMATIC AREAS AND CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES: CAPACITY STATUS IN THE

HIMALAYA AND THE TRANS HIMALAYA

Status and gaps in thematic Areas

Forests

The Himalaya has some of the most extensive forests in India. The former Chamoli district (now

split into Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts) had the highest percentage of forest cover for the

country. The wide latitudinal, altitudinal and moisture gradients encompass a large number of

ecosystem types. Sub-tropical, temperate (broad-leaved forests), subalpine forests (mainly

coniferous forests and krummholz) and alpine pastures and meadows are well represented along

extensive altitudinal gradients. The forests in the Himalaya are unique in terms of their

composition, many tropical species occur within temperate forests, evergreen oaks species and

maples are found species diversity peaks close to the middle elevation zone. According to the

classification by Champion and Seth (1968)1, 11 major forest types occur in the Himalaya along

with 47 subtypes including seral stages and disturbance types2. The area under forests in is

20,441 km2, 12,521 km2, and 23,360 km2 in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and

Uttaranchal (9.2%, 22.5% and 43.9% of the area of the state) respectively (Forest Survey of

India Statistics). The Trans Himalaya region has very little forest cover except along

watercourses and is mostly composed of treeless expanses and cold desert. Recent estimates of

forest cover based on IRS-1D multispectral images point out that the conventional forest cover

values generated by the FSI (at least for Eastern Uttaranchal, the study area) is likely to be an

underestimate (Prabhakar et al. 20063).

The protected area network in the Himalaya covers most forest types. In general, the

lower elevation forests are more disturbed. High levels of disturbance are associated with

1 Champion, H.G and S.K. Seth. 1968. A Revised Survey of Forest Types of India. Government of India, New Delhi.2 A summarised list of forest types found in the Himalaya as per the Champion and Seth (1968) classification can

also be sourced on page 22 of the NBSAP report for the Western Himalaya Ecoregion (Singh et al. 2002).

3 Prabhakar, R., E. Somanathan and B. S. Mehta. 2006. How degraded are Himalayan forests? Current Science

91(1): 61-67.

settlements and where permanent settlements stop, forests are better preserved. The middle

elevation forests are comparatively better protected, however many areas are reserve forests and

permit some level of extraction (specially fodder and montane bamboo or ringal). In terms of

protected area coverage, the oak forests receive better protection. In the higher altitude a number

of parks and sanctuaries have been established including a biosphere reserve, the Nanda Devi

Biosphere Reserve. Research in the region is considerable when compared with the Eastern

Himalaya and some other biogeographic zones. Research on mammals and plant diversity is

considerable. Many taxonomic groups still remain poorly studied. When compared across

individual states, Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh seem to be better explored than Jammu and

Kashmir. There have been several database and clearing-house initiatives as well as symposia

that partially address these issues for the Himalaya. The ENVIS centre at the G.B Pant Institute

of Himalayan Environment and Development specifically deals with the Himalayan region.

Similarly, a number of taxonomic gaps in Himalayan biodiversity and taxonomy research were

assessed in a three day national workshop on ‘Himalayan Biodiversity 2000: Options for

development’. For details refer to Dhar et al. 20011.

Maintenance of connectivity between forests, protection against deforestation,

fragmentation and conversion are priority requirements for forest ecosystems. Lower and middle

elevation zones are more likely to be affected by human disturbance, have more frequent fire

regimes and are more prone to colonisation by exotics. The ecosystem services provided by

forests in the region are enormous and currently hardly any work has been carried out in

Himalayan forests dealing with aspects such as valuation and accounting. The effects on climate

change on Himalayan forests and species is also poorly studied. There have been no long-term

studies on these aspects and one of the primary requirements for this region would be the setting

up of long-term monitoring plots and weather stations.

However, the survival of the forests in this region are critically linked to the livelihoods

of people living in and around them (Singh 2006)2. Many rural communities are economically

poor and marginalised and depend on forests for a number of daily needs. Therefore it is

imperative that more attention is placed on sustainable use and alternate livelihood options.

Gender issues too crop up in this region were women share an unusually high amount of the

1 Dhar, U., R.S. Rawal, S.S. Samant, U. Shankar and H.K. Badola. 2000. Himalayan biodiversity 2000: Options for

development. Current Science 80(4):494-496.2 Singh, J.S. Sustainable development of the Indian Himalayan region. Current Science: 90(6):784-788.

workload. Much importance has been given to the extraction of medicinal and aromatic

resources from the region. Currently, extraction is unregulated and unsustainable practices have

resulted in the endangerment of a number of species. Economic benefits presently do not reach

the local communities and is often misappropriated by middlemen. It is therefore necessary to

strengthen policy as well as institutional frameworks with respect to sustainable use, alternate

livelihoods and incentive programmes, IPR, ethnobotany and community management. A

number of case studies on these subjects in the Himalayan region are outlined in Ameeruddy-

Thomas and Shengji (2003)1. Environmental awareness about biodiversity conservation should

be stepped up. There is a history of voluntary forest protection by communities in this region (as

can be seen from the tremendous effects of local movements like the Chipko movement), at the

same time immediate economic and survival pressures may eventually overrule a desire to

protect.

Grasslands and meadows

There are a number of terrestrial natural ecosystems in the Himalaya and Trans Himalaya that do

not have forest cover. Most of these are found in high elevation areas usually close to or above

the treeline. A major part of the Trans Himalaya biogeographical zone is a vast treeless expanse

of grassland, scrub and cold desert. It has been reported that alpine meadows cover over 69000

km2 of area in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal (over 22%

of total area of the region, over 35% when the snow-free zone is excluded) (Singh et al.2002).

These include warm temperate grasslands, sub-alpine and cool temperate grassy slopes, alpine

meadows of the Himalaya, and steppe formations of the cold arid regions of the Trans Himalaya

and dry alpine scrub. Among these particularly interesting are the grasslands of natural and semi-

natural origin that have co-evolved with grazing systems in the recent past (Rawat 19982).

Himalayan grasslands also support a wide variety of faunal elements including large mammals

(especially grazing and browsing ungulates) and large bodied birds such as pheasants and

partridges.

1 Ameeruddy-Thomas, Y and P. Shengji. 2003. Applied ethnobotany: Case studies from the Himalayan region.

People and Plants working paper 12. WWF, Godalming, UK.2 Rawat, G.S. 1998. Temperate and alpine grasslands of the Himalaya: ecology and conservation. Parks. Grassland

Protected Areas. Vol. 8. No. 3. Oct. 1998. IUCN, Gland. Switzerland.

Research has been carried out on the classification, species composition, biomass and

productivity of grassland ecosystems in the Himalaya (a number of studies are mentioned in

Rawat 1998). Currently, a number of issues specific to grasslands need to be given priority.

These include grazing and livelihoods, collection of medicinal and aromatic plants and fuel wood

and the potential effects of climate change. In spite of the fact that grazing is the mainstay of

many Himalayan communities, adequate policy guidelines and institutional frameworks are

largely missing. Institutions (such as the ICIMOD in Nepal) that look at rangelands and grazing

systems need to be set up to focus on these issues. Currently, a number of government

departments operate in the region (Forest Department, Agriculture, Revenue, Animal Husbandry)

and there are conflicting inputs to local livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. Similarly, as is

the case with Himalayan forests, medicinal plant collection needs to brought under the

framework of specific policies dealing with sustainable use, benefit-sharing and IPR.

Inland water systems and wetlands

Some of the most important river systems of the world namely those of the Indus, the Ganges

and the Brahmaputra originate in the Himalayan ranges. Not only are these rivers are vital to

livelihoods of densely populated down-stream communities, many rivers contain several

indigenous of economic importance such as the snow trout (Schizothorax spp.,

Schizothoraichthys spp.), the Himalayan trout (Barilius spp.) , katle (Neolissochylus

hexagonolepis) and mahseer (Tor spp.). Currently, many river systems and their biodiversity are

threatened by human induced change. Introduced exotics include brown trout (Salmo trutta) and

rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss). Threats in this region include over exploitation, pollution,

siltation, damming and water diversion. A number of priorities exist for biodiversity conservation

of water systems including documentation of status, distribution, ecology and behaviour of a

number of species. The Trans Himalaya needs to be given special importance as very little is

known on the biodiversity of its rivers (Anon 2001)1.

There are a number of wetlands of importance in the Himalaya and Trans-Himalaya. Water

bodies are reported to cover 3785 km2 (1.2% of the area of the Western Himalaya) (Singh et al

2002). Himalayan wetlands have received special attention under the Ramsar Declaration (1971)

1 Anon. 2001. Report of the symposium on ‘Cold water fishes of the Trans-Himalayan region. Directorate of

Fisheries Development and associated institutions, Kathmandu, Nepal.

as well as subsequent related initiatives including the Himalayan Wetlands Conservation

Initiative which covers the Himalaya, Hindu Kush and the Pamir Alay (Ramsar 20021, WWF and

Ramsar 20032, ICIMOD, WWF and Ramsar 20033, ICIMOD, WWF and Ramsar 20044, Ramsar

20045). A Framework Agreement on Himalayan Initiative – Conservation and Wise Use of

Himalayan Mountain Wetlands has been drafted. For a review of Himalayan wetland related

initiatives such as the Urumqi Call, the Sanya Workshop and the Evian Encounter, see Lei

20056. There are 7 Ramsar sites in the region out of which two (Tso-Moriri and Chandertal) are

unique high altitude wetlands occurring in the Chang Thang region of the Trans Himalaya. These

wetlands contain a variety of endemic of aquatic fauna and is also the breeding ground for

threatened birds including the bar-headed goose () and the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis).

Endangered mammals such as the snow leopard (Uncia uncia), the lynx (), nyan or the Tibetan

argali ( ), etc. are found here. In the Trans Himalaya threats to this region include unsustainable

tourism and its resultant activities and the effect of climate change. The latter is bound to bring

about rapid change in these regions. Organisations such as the WWF and Wetlands International

are working with local people in this region to bring about changes. Wetlands in other parts of

the Himalaya such as Kashmir, Himachal and Uttaranchal are also important in terms of

biodiversity conservation. Large lakes include Wular, Hokersar, Hygam, Mirgund and Dal Lake

in Jammu and Kashmir. Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal also have a considerable number of

water bodies. Although many of these water bodies are rich in biodiversity of aquatic flora, fauna

and breeding birds, water bodies especially near the urban centres are polluted and threatened by

eutrophciation.

1 Ramsar, 2002. Ramsar Resolution VIII. 30, http://www.ramsar.org/key_res_viii_30_e.doc.

2 WWF & Ramsar, 2003. Report of the Regional Workshop on the Conservation of High Altitude

Wetlands in the Himalayas (Urumqi, China), unpublished, 268 pages.

3 ICIMOD, WWF & Ramsar, 2003. Report of the regional Workshop on Wetland Conservation and

Wise Use in the Himalayan High Mountains (Kathmandu, Nepal), unpublished, 201 pages.

4 ICIMOD, WWF and Ramsar. 2004. Workshop report on “Wetland Conservation and Wise Use in the

Himalayan and Central Asian High Mountains” (Sanya, China), unpublished, 29 pages.

5 Ramsar, 2004. Report of the Evian Encounter on Himalayas and the Mekong,

http://www.ramsar.org/evian_encounter_himalaya.htm6 Lei, G. 2005. A Review of the Himalayan Wetlands Conservation Initiative. Asia Regional Meeting in preparation

for Ramsar CoP9, Beijing.

The melting of Himalayan glaciers (which are the largest outside the polar areas) has also been

attributed to global warming. Currently, the region has more than 33,000 km2 of glaciers. In

India, the major glaciers are in the Indus (3538), the Ganga (1020) and the Brahmaputra (662)

basins. Principal glaciers include Siachen (72km), Gangotri (26km), Zemu (26km), Milam

(19km) and Kedarnath (14.5). Various studies have estimated dramatic retreats for over 67% of

Himalayan glaciers (Ageta and Kadota 19921, Yamada et al. 19922). For region specific reviews

see Chamling Rai 20053 (Nepal, India and China) and Kumar 20054 (India).

The protected area network

The protected area network in the region is about 9.6 % and is higher than the national average

of 4.66%. Higher percentages of forest cover and protection are necessary for these ecologically

fragile mountain ecosystems. The present area under the protected area network for the states of

Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal are 14872 km2, 7,202 km2 and 6475

km2 (7.3%, 13% and 12% of total area) respectively. Currently there are 84 (check) protected

areas including a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve (Nanda Devi BR), 11 National

Parks, 53 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 7 Ramsar sites. Notifications of a few protected areas are

pending. The Himalaya has also been redesignated as a single global biodiversity hotspot (as

opposed to only the Eastern Himalaya in previous assessments) by Conservation International5.

A trans-boundary protected area network in the lower elevation regions (the Terai-Arc) has also

been initiated. There are also low profile protected areas in the region that host a large number of

species and ecosystems of conservation importance (e.g., the Askot WLS in Kumaon Himalaya)6.

1 Ageta, Y., and T. Kadota. 1992. Predictions of changes of glacier mass balance in the Nepal Himalaya and Tibetan

Plateau: a case study of air temperature increase for three glaciers. Annals of Glaciology 16, pp 89-94.

2 Yamada T., T. Shiraiwa, T. Kadota, T. Watanabe, B. Rana, Y. Ageta and H. Fushimi, 1992. Fluctuation of the

glaciers from the 1970s to 1989 in the Khumbu, Shorong and Langtang regions, Nepal Himalayas, Bulletin of

Glacier Research, 10, 11-19.

3 Chamling Rai. 2005. An Overview of Glaciers, Glacier Retreat, and Subsequent Impacts in Nepal, India and

China. WWF Nepal. Kathmandu.

4 Kumar, R. 2005. Status review of possible Impacts of Climate Change on Himalayan Glaciers, Glaciers retreat and

its subsequent impacts on fresh water regime. HIGHICE-India Glacier Research group, SES, JNU, New Delhi.5 http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots/himalaya/

P.As in the Himalaya are on an average larger (average = 512.1 km2) than those in other parts of

the country (average = 270.3 km2).

The PA network in the region does not have much of a scientific basis, i.e. it does not

seem to follow any design based on diversity, complementarity, endemism or any of the usually

accepted criteria. Undisturbed (or partially disturbed) sites were designated largely on the basis

of availability. Therefore limitations still exist with respect to representation of some forest types,

habitats for specific species and so on. In the Siwaliks for example, though there are a number of

protected areas (e.g. Corbett NP, Rajaji NP), primarily aimed at protecting large mammals such

as tiger and elephant, connectivity in terms of corridors are low. Species such as elephants need

forested corridors (ideally their historical migration pathways) to move from one region or they

may end up causing degradation in a small locality. In the middle elevations, the threatened oak

forests are largely classified as Reserve Forests. There are very few protected areas that actually

encompass larger contiguous altitudinal gradients.

It may also be useful to explore the efficacy of Rapid Assessment and Prioritisation of

Protected Area Management (RAPPAM) methodology (Ervin 20031) by PA managers and policy

makers. This is a standardised methodology outlined by the WWF and an assessment has already

been carried out for PAs in Nepal (Nepali 20062). This methodology has been adopted by WWF-

India for the Eastern Himalaya3.

Areas outside protected areas

Agro-pastoral systems, plantations, village lands, etc. contribute significantly to levels of agro-

diversity in the region. A large number of wild relatives of crops as well as indigenous crop

varieties are grown in the region (39 species are reported from the Western Himalaya) –

Uttaranchal alone is reported to have 119 crop varieties (Singh et al 2002). The introduction of

6 Rawal, R.S. and U. Dhar. 2001. Protected area network in Indian Himalayan region: Need for recognizing values

of low profile protected areas. Current Science 81(2):175-184.1 Ervin, J. 2003. Rapid Assessment and Prioritisation of Protected Area Management (RAPPAM) Methodology.

WWF, Gland, Switzerland.2 Nepali, S.C. 2006. Rapid Assessment and Prioritisation of Protected Area Management (RAPPAM) Methodology,

Nepal. WWF, Nepal.3 http://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests_conservation/projects/rappam_project.cfm

fast-growing high yielding varieties of crops (many of these are exotics) as well as the

conversion from traditional techniques to modern agricultural methods have been detrimental.

There has been a loss of genetic diversity and land races especially in Himachal Pradesh where

modernisation was taken up in a big way. Saxena et al.1 report that the a number of traditional

crops have been replaced by cash crops in the Himalaya. Examples include the abandonment of

cultivation of species such as Fagopyrum esculentum, Fagopyrum tataricum, Panicum

miliaceum, Setaria italica and Pisum arvense. Traditional rice growing regions such as Jammu

have now switched to more lucrative wheat farming. Local varieties of cold and disease resistant

barley and wheat in Ladakh are under threat of replacement. Ladakhi agricultural systems has

seen the introduction and spread of alfalafa as the second major crop in the region. Indigenous

diversity in domesticated mammals such as sheep and goats, horses (Chumurti) and dogs are also

under threat form cross-breeding and introduction of exotics.

A small, yet significant aspect of biodiversity conservation outside protected areas is the

protection accorded by local communities to traditional sacred groves in the region. It has been

documented that sacred groves host considerable biodiversity in the Garhwal Himalaya (Anthwal

et al. 20062), and the same can be said about the devban in Himachal Pradesh. Above all, these

are among the first voluntary, traditional conservation institutions of the region and need to be

protected as they may be the only remaining links to pre-agricultural, animistic cultural histories

of local communities.

1 Saxena, K.G., R.K. Maikhuri and K.S. Rao. Changes in Agricultural Biodiversity: Implications for

Sustainable Livelihood in the Himalaya Journal of Mountain Science 2(1):23-31.

2 Anthwal, A. R. C. Sharma, and A. Sharma. 2006. Sacred Groves: Traditional Way of Conserving Plant Diversity in

Garhwal Himalaya, Uttaranchal. The Journal of American Science 2(1):35-38.

In spite of recent changes in crops and land use practices, many areas outside the

protected area system have the potential to contribute to biodiversity conservation by way

of the recent paradigm of reconciliation ecology (Rosenzweig 20031). It needs to be

emphasised to managers, trainers and local people that even agricultural areas,

plantations and fragments (especially those close to forests) preserve a certain level of

diversity. For example, in plantations and agricultural fields, large mammals may be

absent, but these could be habitats for small mammals, bird, reptiles, amphibians and

invertebrates. In addition many they serve additional purposes of carbon sequestration,

prevention of soil erosion and other ecosystem services.

1 Rosenzweig, M.L. 2003. Win-Win Ecology: How the Earth’s Species can Survive in the Midst of Human

Enterprise. Oxford University Press, New York.

Status and gaps: cross-cutting issues in the Himalaya and Trans Himalaya

A matrix of fourteen primary cross-cutting issues were evaluated on the basis of institutional

mandates and projects. A total of 85 stakeholders including government institutions, NGOs and

major initiatives were assessed. The results of this exercise are presented in Appendix 2. The

existing status of institutional capacities for biodiversity conservation were also assessed with the

help of the results a questionnaire survey conducted among a number of experts on biodiversity

conservation in the region1. Respondents were selected across a range of disciplines with direct

relevance to biodiversity conservation. Tables 1 and 2 summarise their responses to the status

of institutional capacities in the Himalaya and Trans Himalaya biogeographic zones respectively.

Respondents were also asked to prioritise the cross-cutting issues that needs to be addressed for

biodiversity conservation in the Himalaya (Tables 3 and 4).

Institutional capacities are on the whole lacking and there is much room for improvement

for both regions. On an individual scale, very few respondents have marked any of the cross-

cutting issues as adequate. However, there are noticeable differences between the capacities in

both areas. On a three point scale (high, medium, low), some of the CBD requirements

(biodiversity conservation and planning exercises, in-situ conservation, scientific education,

training and awareness generation, indigenous knowledge and practices, tourism, taxonomy

related initiatives) seem to be partially satisfactory in the Himalayan region. There seems to be

only a weak integration of certain cross-cutting issues with biodiversity conservation. These

include the issues such as environmental impact assessment, regulating access to and transfer of

genetic resources, biosafety and alien invasives.

As opposed to the Himalaya where a number of requirements seem to be partially addressed,

in the Trans Himalaya, most of the cross-cutting issues have been rated as poor and there seems

to be very little integration. It also needs to be pointed out here that in general priorities differ

between the two regions. For example, appropriate tourism related initiatives may be much more

crucial to the Trans Himalaya in terms of alternate livelihood strategies in comparison to the

main Himalaya. In the latter region, involvement of local communities in medicinal plant

conservation under appropriate benefit-sharing mechanisms may be more crucial.

1 A list of contributors are provided on p.xx

Based on expert questionnaires and a review of current literature, the following priority

requirements have been identified for the Himalaya:

Developing and introducing economic and social incentives

Regulating commercialisation and ensuring benefit-sharing from genetic resources

Identifying and monitoring biodiversity and its conservation (esp. taxonomy)

Biodiversity conservation and planning exercises

A different set of requirements need to be addressed in the Trans Himalaya on a priority basis.

These are:

Biodiversity conservation and planning exercises

In-situ conservation including PA system management

Regulating commercialisation and ensuring-benefit sharing

Developing and introducing economic and social incentives

Scientific and technical education and training

Table 3Cross-cutting requirements in the Himalaya: Evaluation by Experts

No. Institutional capability in relation to the following clauses Low

Poor/ Non existent

Medium

Exists, but needs to be upgraded

High

Satisfactory

1 Biodiversity conservation and planning exercises

2 8 1

2 Identifying and monitoring biodiversity and its conservation

6 4 1

3 In-situ conservation including PA system management

2 7 2

4 Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity 5 65 Environmental impact assessment (EIA)

for biodiversity conservation9 1 1

6 Managing information through clearinghouse mechanisms (e.g. ENVIS nodes, database centers, etc.)

4 5 2

7 Providing scientific and technical education and training

1 9 1

8 Raising public understanding and awareness

2 9

9 Preserving indigenous and local knowledge, innovations and practices

3 8

10 Regulating access to and transfer of genetic resources

9 2

11 Biosafety, regulating the handling of living, modified organisms

10 1

12 Regulating commercialisation and ensuring benefit-sharing from genetic resources

11

13 Developing and introducing economic and social incentives

6 5

14 Research on alien species and invasives 9 215 Biodiversity and tourism 1 9 116 Taxonomy related initiatives 4 717 Accessing financial resources 5 4 2

Table 4Cross-cutting requirements in the Trans Himalaya: Evaluation by Experts

No. Institutional capability in relation to the following clauses Low

Poor/ Non existent

Medium

Exists, but needs to be upgraded

High

Satisfactory

1 Biodiversity conservation and planning exercises

3 3

2 Identifying and monitoring biodiversity and its conservation

3 2

3 In-situ conservation including PA system management

3 2 1

4 Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity (1) 55 Environmental impact assessment (EIA)

for biodiversity conservation6

6 Managing information through clearinghouse mechanisms (e.g. ENVIS nodes, database centers, etc.) (1)

4 1

7 Providing scientific and technical education and training

4 2

8 Raising public understanding and awareness

3 3

9 Preserving indigenous and local knowledge, innovations and practices

5 1

10 Regulating access to and transfer of genetic resources (1)

5

11 Biosafety, regulating the handling of living, modified organisms (2)

4

12 Regulating commercialisation and ensuring benefit-sharing from genetic resources (2)

4

13 Developing and introducing economic and social incentives

4 2

14 Research on alien species and invasives 615 Biodiversity and tourism 2 416 Taxonomy related initiatives 5 117 Accessing financial resources 2 4

CHAPTER 4

THE HIMALAYA: CAPACITY STATUS, PRIORITIES AND POTENTIAL PROJECTS

FOR THE HIMALAYA WITH RESPECT TO SPECIFIC ARTICLES OF THE

CONVENTION ON BIODIVERSITY

The Himalaya: An evaluation of issues in the context of the CBD articles (Articles 6–19)

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1 Article 6:

General Measures for Conservation and Sustainable Use

The Himalaya has been designated as a global biodiversity hotspot1. Initiatives include national level initiatives and plans that had a thematic emphasis on the region . Dhar 19972

prepared an action plan for the Himalaya. The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002), the Biodiversity Act (2002), Biodiversity Rules (2004), the National Environmental Policy (2006)3, the Indian Forest Act, 1947 and Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 have provisions built for basic biodiversity conservation in the Himalaya (a different set of rules applies to J&K). The Planning Commission has set up a Task Force on Mountain Ecosystems (as part of the 11th Five Year Plan) which will

These documents provide a review of the current status of biodiversity in the region and also suggest progressive solutions (such as incentives to people, valuation of resources and restructuring of forest services), which are distinct from conventional initiatives in the past. However, in their current state they are only accessible to biodiversity professionals.

Efforts have to be made to make sure these find a place in regional plans and public documents of all government departments working in the region. Current capacities for this are lacking.

A specific thematic planning and monitoring framework needs to be prepared for the Himalaya especially with respect to participatory conservation approaches, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable use and benefit sharing.

1 http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots/himalaya/ 2 Dhar, U. (ed.) 1997. Himalayan Biodiversity: Action Plan. Get full details3 MoEF. 2006. National Environmental Policy. Ministry of Environment and Forests. Government of India.

Approved by the Union Cabinet on 18th May 2006.

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concentrate on a number of biodiversity issues in the Himalaya.

The NBSAP initiative used a participatory approach to address the issue of biodiversity conservation in the Himalaya. A Western Himalaya ecoregional plan (Western Himalaya Ecoregional BSAP 2002) and plans for Siwaliks (Shiwalik Sub-State BSAP 2002) and Munsiari (Gori River Basin Sub-State BSAP 20031). State-level action plans were also developed for J&K, HP and Uttaranchal. The outputs of these assessments have been used in other completed as well as ongoing assessments (see for example the Thematic Report on Mountain Ecosystems2).

2 Article 7:

Identification and Monitoring

Status, distribution and ecology of a number of species especially large mammals, and large bodied birds have been carried out. Recent surveys on mammals include the

Considerable gaps exist in the identification and characterization of biodiversity. The levels of diversity and endemism are considerable and as

Projects looking at both taxonomy and large-scale patterns of diversity at the same time need to be sponsored. These should be based on proper methodologies. Outside expertise may need to be solicited for this.

1 Gori River Basin Sub-State BSAP 2003. Full citation. Foundation for Ecological Security (FES). 2003. A

Biodiversity Log and Strategy Input Document for the Gori River Basin. Western Himalayan Ecoregion, Dst.

Pithoragarh, Uttaranchal. A substate process under the NBSAP-India. Submitted to the MoEF, GoI, New Delhi.2 http://www.biodiv.org/doc/world/in/in-nr-me-en.doc accessed on 30th August 2006.

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first systematic survey of the markhor (Ranjitsinh et al 20051).

Floras are available for all three states as well as various districts. Baseline information on medicinal plants has been documented for many areas in the three states and institutions working on these aspects have also been listed (see Misra 20032).

Ecosystem studies have been largely concentrated in the Uttaranchal Himalayas. A number of recent studies have dealt with large-scale patterns of species’ distributions in the Himalaya.

a result gaps exist in taxonomic knowledge as well as status and distribution information for many taxa. Among faunal groups, fishes and invertebrates have received less attention.

More work on species diversity, rarity and endemism are required for multiple taxa as these are important criteria for many reserve selection algorithms.

There is non-availability of trained taxonomists in this region. Projects such as AICOPTAX that have been initiated by the MoEF are contributing to taxonomic knowledge in the Himalaya.

In addition to initiatives such as AICOPTAX, more capacity building for taxonomy is required (training, funding and if necessary incentives). Pushpangadan and Nayar (2001) outline important components that can b incorporated into systematics research at the national level and these can be incorporated for the Himalaya also.3

The influence of alien invasive such as Lantana camara, Eupatorium odoratum and Parthenium heterophyllum need to be studied.

3 Article Conservation A vital gap in the Western Himalaya Ecoregional

1 Ranjitsinh, M.K., C.M. Seth, R. Ahmed, Y.V. Bhatnagar and S.S. Kyarong. 2005. Goats on the Border: A Rapid

Assessment of the Pir Panjal Markhor in Jammu and Kashmir: Distribtuion, Status and Threats. Wildlife Trust of

India, New Delhi. 34 pages.2 Misra, M.K. 2003. Baseline information on medicinal plant conservation and sustainable utilization. Overview

Report. Sponsored by UNDP/GEF, MoEF, GoI and coordinated by the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health

Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore.3 Pushpangadan, P. and K.N. Nayar. 2001. The future of systematics and biodiversity research in India: Need for a

National Consortium and National Agenda for systematic biology research. Current Science 80(5):631-638.

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8:

In-situ Conservation

International1 has designated Himalayas as a global biodiversity hotspot.

The current PA coverage in the Himalaya region is 9.6 percent (higher than the current national average of 4.6 percent). Area under PA coverage for the states of J&K, HP and Uttaranchal are 7.3 percent, 13 percent and 12 percent respectively.

There are 84 Pas including a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve (Nanda Devi), 7 Ramsar sites, 11 National Parks and 53 Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Some lower elevation regions in the Terai-Siwalik tracts are also part of the Terai-Arc Transboundary Initiative2.

Although PA establishment in the region has largely been

PA network is the inadequate representation of threatened mid-elevation oak forests which are storehouses of diversity as well as ecosystem services to the region, and provide connectivity along altitudinal gradients. Presently they are mostly under reserve forests and extraction is allowed.

Additionally, there are very few protected areas that encompass large contiguous altitudinal gradients.

There is still limited focus on biodiversity conservation. Many activities of the Forest Department are still focused on forest mensuration and commercial utilization, and

BSAP 2002 recommends a restructuring of the present form of administration by calling for a special unit for biodiversity and wildlife conservation. They stress on adopting PA management practices that preserve the ecological integrity of ecosystems both in terms of the biodiversity they contain as well as the ecosystem services that are preserved.

Oak forests need to be accorded more protection. Contiguous altitudinal gradients need to be accorded protection wherever possible.

There are low profile protected areas in the region that host a large number of species and ecosystems of conservation importance (e.g., the Askot WLS in Kumaon Himalaya) (Rawal and Dhar 20013). In addition some studies such as (Misra 20034) has tentatively identified potential sites for the location of Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas (MPCAs) such as Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Bhatkot, Nanda Devi, Dodital, Niti Valley, Valley of Flowers, Milam, GHNP, Kangra Valley, etc.

1 http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots/himalaya/

2 For more details, visit http://www.worldwildlife.org/tigers/pubs/Terai_Arc2004.pdf (The Terai Arc Landscape:

Bengal Tigers in the Himalayas’ Shadow).3 Rawal, R.S. and U. Dhar. 2001. Protected area network in Indian Himalayan region: Need for recognizing values

of low profile protected areas. Current Science 81(2):175-184.4 Misra, M.K. 2003. Baseline information on medicinal plant conservation and sustainable utilization. Overview

Report. Sponsored by UNDP/GEF, MoEF, GoI and coordinated by the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health

Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore.

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4 Article 9:

Ex-situ Conservation

There are a number of scattered ex-situ initiatives for the Himalaya. There are a few ex-situ initiatives for large mammals and birds (e.g. musk deer, pheasants) but designing and carrying out such initiatives for these taxa are usually complicated and in many cases it is more economical to re-design conservation measures in the wild.

Institutions such as the Himalaya Forest Research Institute have ex-situ conservation facilities for plants. Forest Departments such as the State Forest Department of J&K are also involved.

However, a limited number of ex-situ initiatives such as zoos, if managed properly can serve as significant awareness tools. For other groups such as medicinal and aromatic plants and indigenous crops and domestic animals, it is vital to set up ex-situ conservation facilities.

The limitation here is that there are a number of institutions involved from various departments such as DST and DBT, which can potentially contribute to biodiversity conservation in the region, but there is lack of information.

There needs to be a formal review of ex-situ initiatives for both the Himalaya and Trans-Himalaya.

Guidelines need to be developed for commercialisation as well as intellectual property rights (IPR) based on biotechnology. For species that are marketed, it is important to develop measures to prevent further exploitation from the wild (i.e., there should be ways of distinguishing between cultivated and exploited products).

5 Article 10:

Sustainable Use of Components of Biological Diversity

Potential sustainable use initiatives discussed for the region involve medicinal plant commercialisation, agro-forestry practices and ecotourism.

Inventories and spatial distribution of plants in general and medicinal and wild edible plants in particular have been attempted. This will provide information for sustainable use

Unregulated medicinal plant extraction and commercialisation can lead to loss of species as well as loss of IPR and credits.

Unregulated tourism can result in quick degradation of mountain areas as a result of increased use of resources such as fuel wood.

Sustainable use policy guidelines at the systemic level need to be developed as a priority.

Case-specific alternate livelihood options need to be identified and adopted for different areas.

Sustainable use measures could also focus on resolving gender related issues in the region. In this region, women are involved in resource extraction activities and need to be identified as a major stakeholder segment.

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initiatives. The Growers Forum is one such initiative in Uttaranchal is trying out a multi-stakeholder approach (farmers, traders, industry and exporters) whereby the participants support each along the lines of a mutually agreed upon framework of the Kosi Declaration. Stakeholders do not participate in collection or trade illegally, follow organic farming practices, favour multi-cropping practices and aim for organic certification of their medicinal plants and agricultural products1.

The GBPHID’s (G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development) ‘Indigenous Knowledge Systems’ core initiative focuses on identification of traditional systems, IPR and benefit sharing.

National Afforestation and Eco -Development Board (NAEB) in the MoEF gives special attention to

1 Rastogi, A. 2004. Organic Certification of Members of Grower Forum: A Feasibility Assessment. Forests and

Biodiversity Conservation Programme. WWF-India.

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regeneration of degraded forest areas in ecologically fragile areas like the Himalayas.

There is evidence of encouragement of rural tourism initiatives. E.g. identification of project site at Mana village, Chamoli dist.

6 Article 11:

Incentive Measures

National and regional biodiversity planning documents have begun to stress the importance of incentive measures.

Programmes such as JFM (Joint Forest Management) that include incentive measures have been launched in different areas.

A number of projects have been initiated by NGOs on a small scale (e.g. Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation, HESCO, Appropriate Technology, AT India).

Some examples of large state mediated programmes include the Livelihood Based Management Plan of the GHNP, and the Biodiversity

Although along theoretical lines there is talk of incentive measures, there have been fewer such measures on the ground.

There have been fewer such initiatives where government departments and institutions have played a role.

There is a crucial requirement for integrating alternate livelihood and benefit sharing options with biodiversity policy.

JFM has its limitations. The traditional Van Panchayat model has been largely ignored.

Avenues for developing incentive base livelihoods in the Himalayan region include participatory development in agro forestry (Saxena et al 20051), ethno botany and ecotourism under the framework of appropriate policy.

The Van Panchayat model can be a better model than JFM incorporating the latter’s strengths.

The development of self-help groups and rural credit/micro-finance institutions are necessary. Womens’ groups could be empowered to bring about gender equity.

1 Saxena, K.G., R.K. Maikhuri and K.S. Rao. Changes in Agricultural Biodiversity: Implications for

Sustainable Livelihood in the Himalaya Journal of Mountain Science 2(1):23-31.

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Conservation and Rural Livelihoods Improvement Project (BCRLIP) initiated attempts to biodiversity conservation by improving livelihoods and income opportunities in high-value biodiversity landscapes. A project site has been identified in the Himalayas (Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary.

7 Article 12:

Research and Training

Some institutions such as the GBPIHED is solely dedicated to environment and biodiversity conservation in the region.

Additionally, the region derives benefits from a number of national level autonomous research and academic institutions headquartered in the region. These include the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the Forest Research Institute (FRI), the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) and so on.

Many of these institutions provide education and training to students and in-

Currently there is little focus on socio-economic studies.

Despite the location of a number of institutions in the region, there is very little training of people from the region itself and fewer still take up careers in biodiversity conservation or in environment related fields.

Outputs of past initiatives such as the NBSAP process have called for capacity building by way of restructuring the current administrative set up to form a separate cadre of officers for biodiversity conservation. Training and education in forestry should stress on new aspects such as the valuation of ecosystems services, development of appropriate policies, and biological, socio-economic research tools.

Institutions in the region also need to organize targeted training programmes for students and professionals from the region.

Improvement of taxonomic expertise in the region should be treated as a priority training initiative.

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service Forest Department personnel. Universities such as Garhwal University, Kumaon University, and various universities in HP and J&K all provide educational facilities at the graduate and post-graduate level.

8 Article 13:

Public Education and Awareness

Organizations such as Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Himalaya that have been involved in awareness programmes (such as Himalaya Initiative) for all sections of society. A strategy and action plan called "Himalayan Education, Awareness, Training: Strategy and Action Plan" (HEATSAP) (CEE 2002 1) which describes CEE's mandate and action plan has been prepared.

The GBPIHED has instituted a systematic conservation education programme targeting students at the high school and college levels (Dhar et al 20022). This

However, largely as a result of lifestyle pressures, the younger generation seems to be drifting away from these values.

Therefore it is necessary to revive environmental consciousness by way of creative and informative environment awareness programmes.

Widespread public awareness programmes need to be initiated especially for school children by way of eco-clubs in schools as well as booklets, fliers and posters in the local language.

Local people can be made aware of some basic techniques and concepts by way of simple awareness generation exercises (for example, people encouraged to remove litter from community forests, since forest litter hampers regeneration of oak forests in the Himalaya).

Small capacity building grants can be provided to each organization to develop interpretation programmes for its activities.

A biodiversity portal or even a simple website can be developed for the region.

1 CEE Himalaya. 2002. Himalayan Education, Awareness and Training: Strategy and Action Plan (HEATSAP)

(Draft). Sustainable Development in the Himalaya: Environmental Education and Communication Initiative. Centre

for Environment Education (CEE Himalaya), Lucknow. Available at:

http://www.mtnforum.org/resources/library/ganga02a.htm accessed on 25 August 06.

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innovative project known as ‘Peoples’ participation in Himalayan biodiversity conservation’ was initiated in Uttaranchal and is hoped to be used as a model for the entire Himalayan region.

Among NGOs, the efforts of the Uttrakhand Seva Nidhi, Almora have been focused on this aspect.

The local people, especially in the Uttaranchal Himalaya can be credited with a high degree of environmental awareness. This is evident form a number of voluntary initiatives such as the Chipko movement and the ‘beej bachao andolan’ (Save the Seeds Movement).

9 Article 14:

Impact Assessment and Minimizing Adverse Impacts

According to the provisions of the EIA Notification (May, 1994), clearances are mandatory for all projects in areas notified as ecologically sensitive or fragile under the EPA (1986). Hilly and mountain areas are covered

There needs to be a specific set of EIA guidelines for the Himalayas. On account of its steep slopes and environmental conditions, the fragile ecosystems of the Himalaya are vulnerable to even

EIA techniques and legislation tailor-made for the region should be created.

Developmental activities in the region, like dam building, mining and road construction need to be monitored closely.

2 Dhar, U., R. S. Rawal, S. Airi, I. D. Bhatt and S. S. Samant. 2002. Promoting outreach through conservation

education programmes – Case study from the Indian Himalayan Region Current Science 82(7):808-815.

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under this. small-scale changes. For example, activities such as building roads can cause landslides, fragmentation, soil-loss and invasion by exotics. Many of these effects occur at much accelerated scales than in plains and low-lying areas.

10 Article 15:

Access to Genetic Resources

Biotech is an emerging field in India and a number of species in the Himalayas are useful in terms of their pharmaceutical and other benefits.

The Himalaya is a region rich in genetic resources especially with respect to medicinal plants, indigenous varieties of agricultural crops and livestock.

Recently efforts have been initiated at the policy as well as ground level to deal with commercialisation and benefit sharing from resources (especially genetic resources); the issues that exist as major challenges.

The TRIPS (Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement of

Policy formulation on genetic resources is extremely weak. A biotech framework would be of extreme importance to regions such as the Himalaya where medicinal and ethno botanical wild resources hold extreme potential for utilization, but at the same time are vulnerable to misuse.

However, since much of the knowledge of its bioresearches is derived from local people, it has to be ensured that the economic as well as IPR benefits reach them. It is essential that effective policies as well as regulations are in place for sustainable

It is necessary that benefit-sharing arrangements be enforced through biodiversity and conservation related laws also and not just through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

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the WTO does not favour the developing countries. Nevertheless India is moving forward and recently a number of legal instruments have been put in place like The Plant Varieties Protection and Farmers’ Rights Act (2001), The Patent Second Amendment Act 2002, Patent Third Amendment Act (2006), Biodiversity Act (2002) and the Draft National Biotechnology Strategy and Policy (2005).

collection/cultivation, manufacturers and marketing of these resources.

Currently, there is a lack of models to follow – the TBGRI-Kani tribal model is probably the only model of this kind to date.

11 Article 16:

Access to and Transfer of technology

Since there are a number of academic institutions, there is moderate to high presence of contributions from the region in peer-reviewed literature.

Currently, there are insufficient monetary and IPR benefits to traditional knowledge practitioners with respect to transfer of knowledge regarding genetic resources. This is especially with respect to patents in the pharmaceutical industry.

There does not seem to be any formal mechanisms for transfer of technology.

Manuals, management plans, policy documents,

Unregulated commercialisation and misappropriation of patents by pharmaceutical companies and individuals should be prevented with appropriate guidelines and regulations.

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on various aspects of biodiversity conservation are lacking.

12 Article 17:

Exchange of Information

A number of Indian as well as international institutions are involved in collaborative work in the Himalayas. For e.g. the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) is a member of the Global Forest Information Service (GFIS).

There are ENVIS centres at GBPIHED and the WII.

International collaborations in biodiversity research need to contribute more in terms of scientific training.

Translation of research reports to peer-reviewed publications is at best moderate.

Translation of research output towards policies and public awareness programmes is poor.

Organizations receiving funding from the government should be encouraged to set aside a budget for extension purposes.

Small grants can be given to NGOs to make their work more accessible.

13 Article 18:

Technical and Scientific Cooperation

The Terai-Arc Project includes low elevation zones in the Himalayas in India and Nepal.

There are very few initiatives that are the product of technical and scientific cooperation between a numbers of institutions.

Certain aspects of biodiversity related research (e.g. survey and analysis techniques, PA prioritisation, climate change research, EIA) are well developed in western countries and Indian institutions can benefit from these.

Multidisciplinary projects especially those dealing with climate change would require scientific and technical inputs from a variety of regional institutions.

14 Article 19:

Handling of Biotechnology and

The Himalaya has a large number of species that are used for biotechnological purposes. A biotechnology framework would be of importance where

Biotechnology frameworks are vulnerable to misuse especially in the pharmaceutical industry.

However, since

It is essential that effective policies as well as regulations are in place for sustainable collection/cultivation, manufacturers and marketing of these resources.

Biotech policy should be

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Distribution of its Benefits

medicinal and ethno botanical wild resources hold potential for utilization.

A number of components of the Biotechnology Information System and the BTISNet Programme deal with aspects of Himalayan biodiversity such as microbial wealth, agro biodiversity, pharmaceuticals, etc. (For more details, see ‘Proceedings of the BTISNet Coordinators’ Meet’ 20051).

At the policy level, the TRIPS (Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement of the WTO has been recognized as problematic to the developing world, and countries such as India are now moving forward and to develop legal instruments that are unbiased2.South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and the Environment

much of the knowledge of its bioresources is derived from local people, it has to be ensured that the economic as well as IPR benefits reach them.

Currently, there is lack of successful models to follow.

developed specifically for the region by all concerned ministries such as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Science and Technology and the MoEF.

The National Innovation Foundation4 launched by the GOI and the Peoples’ Biodiversity Registers5 are important starting points for exploring issues regarding benefit sharing.

1 Available at: http://www.btisnet.nic.in/cormeet/jaipur/Jaipur_Proceedings.doc (DBT. 2005. Proceedings of the

XVI Annual BTISnet COORDINATORS’ MEET. 3-4 February 2005. The Biotechnology Information System of

India. Bioinformatics Centre, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur. Department of Biotechnology Ministry of

Science and Technology, Government of India.) 2 The Plant Varieties Protection and Farmers’ Rights Act (2001), The Patent Second Amendment Act 2002, Patent

Third Amendment Act (2006), Biodiversity Act (2002), Draft National Biotechnology Strategy and Policy (2005).

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(SAWTEE), a Kathmandu based organisation has evolved a project that looks at WTO agreements and farmers rights in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region. SAWTEE organised a workshop on trade related aspects and agreements such as CUTs and TRIPs with regard to farmers’ rights and livelihoods in the Garhwal region3.

15 The ‘Cartagena’ Biosafety Protocol

The inter-ministerial Task Force on biosafety was set up by in 1997-98 to develop India’s stand on biosafety issues.

It has been proposed for some mountain areas that a special policy or set of guidelines that gives preferential treatment to mountain communities to buffer them from potential negative impacts of GM crops (Adhikari and Adhikari 20034).

People living in mountain regions are particularly vulnerable with respect to food security. Globalisation could lead to the influx of modified species, which in turn could wipe out indigenous varieties and bring about changes in agricultural patterns and practices. For these regions more attention needs to be paid to food norms and farmers’ rights and the

Biosafety norms as per the CPB (Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, 2000) need to be assessed in detail for the Himalayas. Anticipatory/precautionary decision-making strategies may be relevant for this region (Gupta 2000).

3 SAWTEE. 2003. Farmers’ Rights and Livelihood of Garhwal Himalayan Farmers Report of Dissemination

Workshop held at Nainbagh, Tehri Garhwal on 20th-21st December, 2003.4 http://nifindia.org/activity.html5 For more information on this topic, see

http://www.etfrn.org/etfrn/workshop/biodiversity/documents/gadgil/amruth.doc

4 Adhikari, R. and K. Adhikari (eds.) 2003. Farmers’ Rights to Livelihood in the Hindu-Kush Himalayas. SAWTEE,

Kathmandu, Nepal.

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introduction of GM crops and other potentially harmful practices.

3. Conclusions

a. Capacity status and strengths

The Himalaya is now considered as one of the global hotspots of biodiversity.1 The

region is now receiving importance from researchers as well as policy makers and a number of

institutions are involved in biodiversity conservation in the region. A few of these are solely

focused on the Himalaya, and the region also benefits from a number of national level state of

the art institutions and scientific expertise that is located within the region. Significant strides in

biodiversity research have been made by universities and institutes located in the region.

Significant plans and policy documents such as the NBSAP Western Himalayan ecoregional and

sub-state reports have assessed biological diversity conservation in detail.

Although yet to be implemented at the grass-roots level, sustainable use models,

traditional livelihood practices, knowledge and benefit-sharing are finding mention in recent

policies and planning documents. These prepare the ground for future field-level initiatives

relating to participatory conservation and sustainable use frameworks. Currently, a number of

NGO initiated livelihood and sustainable use projects are going on.

One of the unique capacities of the region is the heightened environmental consciousness

of local communities. This is especially so in the Uttaranchal Himalaya where voluntary

movements to protect forests and biodiversity have been initiated by the local people themselves.

b. Capacity gaps and weaknesses

Infrastructure and Logistics

Field stations and communication including transport need to be upgraded carefully. Currently,

field stations are few and far between. Since the cost of setting up field stations is high,

collaborative efforts between institutions may be required to get maximum benefits. A major

lacuna in the infrastructural set up is the absence of weather stations in much of the high

Himalaya (especially above 1500m). This is a primary requirement as climate change studies

need to be initiated not only by institutions involved in biodiversity work, but also by many

1 As opposed to the earlier classification by Conservation International which considered only the Eastern Himalaya as a hotspot, the new classification delineates the entire Himalaya as a single global hotspot.

meteorology and geology departments. Some basic field equipment such as data loggers should

be made available for long-term research projects. Most molecular laboratory facilities also seem

to be located away from the region making material management and maintenance a costly affair.

Research

Current levels of research are at best mediocre. Although a large amount of research seems to be

carried out (as is evident from publications in mid-level peer-reviewed journals such as Current

Science), significant gaps still exist. Taxonomic work has been considerable, but not at all

sufficient as high diversity endemism and rarity within many species groups and as a result there

are still very significant gaps in taxonomy. Taxonomists are on the decline. Although projects,

such as the AICOPTAX have helped in improving the situation, the Himalaya needs more

specialized taxonomists and initiatives.

Inventory mapping and quantification of rare, threatened taxa as well as taxa that are of

economic importance (especially medicinal plants) are required. Research on invasives is

important. Many ecosystems are in the grip of invasives (Parthenium heterocarpum in the higher

elevations, Eupatorium (Chromeleana) odoratum and Lantana camara in lower elevations, a

number of carp and trout species in hill streams and lakes).

More projects on biodiversity and climate change need to be funded and institutional

capacities in terms of infrastructure and human resources need to be upgraded for this purpose.

Studies on single species seem to show that climate change in association with human factors is

already affecting the region (for example the failure in regeneration of kharsu oak, Quercus

semecarpifolia as detailed by Singh et al. 19971). Therefore, long-term, interdisciplinary projects

with a regional focus need to be initiated to gather representative data for the region as a whole.

Although a large amount of work has been carried out in the region, compilations of basic

information are few (e.g. Singh and Singh 1999). Basic species diversity, rarity and other macro-

ecological patterns looking at range sizes and distributions should be established for groups. This

is especially critical for climate change. It may be worthwhile to situate long-term monitoring

1 Singh, S.P., Y.S. Rawat and S.C. Garkoti. 1997. Failure of brown oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) to regenerate in

Central Himalaya: A case of environmental semisurprise. Current Science 73:371-374.

plots on the CTFS STRI model1, although at a smaller scale (50 ha plots may be difficult to

locate and monitor in the Himalaya). Inter-institutional collaboration could be encouraged and

the baseline data generated by these plots could be utilized by different institutions for their

different focal areas of research. Research on critical ecosystems also needs to be stepped up.

Examples include the low profile oak forests in the middle elevations, the timberline and

grasslands. Higher altitude areas (esp. above 1500 m) remain unexplored.

Access to available information is poor. More region-specific database and clearing-

house projects are required. Establishing scientifically valid spatial databases incorporating GIS

techniques (such as Map Asia 2004 and similar GIS oriented thematic initiatives, Bajracharya

and Pandey 20042) and new methods need to be incorporated. A database unit for the Himalaya

as a whole maybe facilitated through the ENVIS centres.

Research and conservation outside PAs need to be encouraged. The contribution of

village commons and areas falling outside the conventional PA network can be examined in

terms of species composition and diversity, ecosystem services. Ecological economics and the

valuation of ecosystem services need to be incorporated into accounting processes (Western

Himalaya Ecoregional BSAP 2002). Projects that investigate linkages between agricultural

practices, subsidies and trade are also needed.

Human Resources

In spite of a history of producing dedicated taxonomists and field biologists, biodiversity

research is not attracting young talent in universities and the younger generation is forced to look

for lucrative jobs elsewhere. Properly trained technical manpower (especially taxonomists,

statisticians, social scientists) is critical in all aspects of biodiversity conservation. Within

universities and training institutions, there is a need to follow up with trainees, place them in

appropriate jobs and upgrade their capabilities regularly. The same is required in terms of support

to the Forest Department. Since the Forest Department is the primary PA management institution,

1 For more information, visit http://www.ctfs.si.edu/doc/ctfsbackground.htm 2 Bajracharya, B. and S. Pandey. 2004. GIS oriented thematic portals: A means for partnership in sustainable

development in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas. Map Asia 2004 Conference. Beijing, China.

it needs to be supported with additional manpower and management tools. It would also be very

useful to create a strong network of individuals involved in biodiversity research and

conservation activities in the Himalaya. This network could be a means of keeping people

informed about developments across fields. This would also help in improving inter-agency

collaborations that are at present very poor.

Education and Awareness

The people of the region have been very receptive to environmental conservation – as is evident

from the results of the Chipko movement and other local initiatives such as the ‘beej bachao

andolan’ (Save the Seeds Movement). The younger generation especially is drifting away from

these values. Some basic techniques and concepts can be instilled among the local people by way

of simple awareness generation exercises. The basic awareness generating activities that can be

encouraged in the region include: establishing eco-clubs in schools and colleges, establishing a

basic website on biodiversity (this will serve the dual purpose of computer education), and

production of simple manuals, poster and fliers that explain the most basic biodiversity

conservation techniques in the local language. Education and awareness programmes of the CEE

Himalaya1 and the GBPIHED (Dhar et al 20022) could serve as models for larger regional projects.

Policy and Advocacy

Inadequacies among policies include blanket adoption of policies on these regions without

considering the present culture, customs, practices and traditions. Advocacy is absent and seems

to be adopted only as a political tool for delaying actual development. A few advocacy projects

in the region are taken up by small NGOs and does not seem to have an impact on a regional

scale.

1 CEE Himalaya. 2002. Himalayan Education, Awareness and Training: Strategy and Action Plan (HEATSAP)

(Draft). Sustainable Development in the Himalaya: Environmental Education and Communication Initiative. Centre

for Environment Education (CEE Himalaya), Lucknow.

2 Dhar, U., R. S. Rawal, S. Airi, I. D. Bhatt and S. S. Samant. 2002. Promoting outreach through conservation

education programmes – Case study from the Indian Himalayan Region Current Science 82(7):808-815.

Various institutions dealing with utilization of resources need to be brought on a common

platform to frame guidelines for sustainable use, IPR and benefit sharing and biotechnology

policy. A sustainable policy on ecologically friendly tourism is missing.

Sustainable use and livelihoods

To meet the dual objectives of biodiversity conservation and economic development, it is

necessary to develop sustainable use models of conservation wherever appropriate. Integrated

natural resource management that is initiated on the basis of key interventions that are

economically beneficial as well as environmentally and legally sound are required for the region.

Saxena et al (20011) outline such an exercise carried out for a village in the Nanda Devi

Biosphere Reserve in the Gharwal Himalaya. It is also important to develop and expand

participatory management in the region around traditional working models such as the Van

Panchayat model of Uttaranchal (Western Himalaya Ecoregional BSAP 2002). It has been felt

that the Van Panchayats could be made more autonomous and not displaced by parallel

institutions such as JFM which may be more appropriate elsewhere. In any case, the support of

local communities is necessary for conservation measures to be effective. In the first such

attempt in India, PA managers initiated an such an eco-development project with the assistance

of the World Bank in Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh (Nangia and Kumar

20012). The participation of people in the preparation and implementation of the project was an

important component of this project. The results of the participatory Integrated Watershed

Development Project (IWDP) that was executed in the Siwalik foothills of the Himalaya are

elaborated in Vedeld 20003.

1 Saxena, K.G., K.S. Rao, K.K. Sen, R.K. Maikhuri and R.L. Semwal. 2001. Integrated natural resource

management: approaches and lessons from the Himalaya. Conservation Ecology 5 (2): 14. [online] URL:

http://www.consecol.org/vol5/iss2/art14/ 2 Nangia, S. and Kumar, P. Population And Environment Interface in the Great Himalayan National Park. Centre for

the Study of Regional Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Paper submitted for session(S08) on Population

and Environment of the 24th General Population Conference of the IUSSP, to be held at Salvador-Brazil from 18-24

August 2001.

3 Vedeld, T. 2000. Participation in the Himalayan Foothills: Lessons from Watershed Development in India. Social

Development Papers Paper Number 38. SASSD, New Delhi.

Grazing and transhumant systems, an important livelihood as well as cultural aspect need

to be managed in an integrated and economically viable manner. Grasslands and meadows in

many parts of the world seem to be in some sort of equilibrium with grazing, however, grazing

within forests are conducive to gap formation and affect regeneration negatively - this is

especially true in sub alpine oak (kharsu) forests where fragmentation has been caused by

grazing.

Particular attention needs to be paid to displaced/ migratory pastoral communities such as

Van Gujjars and transhumant communities. Effective rehabilitation measures and supplementary

livelihood options need to be explored that do not destroy their traditional lifestyles. For

example, Nautiyal et al. (20051) elaborate on conflicts over resource use between transhumant

pastoralists and the settled sedentary population in the buffer zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere

Reserve. They call for a critical appraisal of current land use policies of the region which seem to

aggravate problems for the animal husbandry sector.

A livelihood approach (within and outside PAs) need to be used to conserve medicinal

plant and biotech wealth of the Himalaya at the same time protecting indigenous knowledge and

IPR. Livelihood approaches also need to take be prioritised to promote gender equity and the

economic improvement of the poorer and marginalised sections of the society. Recent

explorations of indigenous knowledge systems have also revealed that women are perhaps the

real custodians of indigenous knowledge (Samal and Dhyani 20062).

Government agencies, MNCs and private agencies need to be convinced that investing in

biodiversity conservation is not mere altruism but makes business sense (but see also

commentaries on actual projects that have been undertaken3). Examples can be illustrated from

the work of conservation organisations in the Western Ghats and elsewhere.

1 S. Nautiyal., R. Shibasaki, K.S. Rajan, R.K. Maikhuri and K.S. Rao. 2005. Impact of land use changes on

subsidiary occupation: a case study from Himalayas of India. Environmental Informatics Archives 3:14-23.

2 Samal, P.K., and P. P. Dhyani. Gender in the management of indigenous knowledge: reflections from Indian

Central Himalaya. Current Science 91(2):104-108.

3 An enterprise model for biodiversity conservation undertaken by Appropriate Technology, India, Ltd. is critiqued

at : http://www.ansab.org/research_papers/ntfp_paper_JC.pdf (Accessed on 25 October 25, 2006) (Croucher, J. .d.

The Enterprise Model for Biodiversity Conservation: A Critique)

Protected area network and management

Restructuring of departmental structures for PA management is necessary as the forest

conservation paradigm (forest utilization and wildlife protection) has undergone shifts and now

incorporates the conservation and ecosystem services as well as livelihoods and sustainable

development issues and as a result there are increasingly important roles for social scientists in

the administrative set ups. Perhaps there can be an increase in focus on capacity building of PA

management on issues like wildlife management, ecosystem studies and social science

disciplines.

Protected area design in the Himalaya should incorporate connectivity as a factor. Focus

need to be on conserving at least a few complete altitudinal gradients in the main Himalaya. The

connectivity issue will also establish protection of the species rich middle elevation oak stands

and adjoining subalpine forests. The lower elevations of the Himalaya particularly the Siwalik

region are habitats for a number of endangered large mammals such as elephant and tiger. The

management of these areas needs to be carried out with adequate stress on corridors for

movement.

c. Capacity needs and recommendations

1. Individual capacity needs

There is an urgent requirement to improve capacities of local research personnel and induct more

students and trainees into biodiversity conservation. In terms of training capacities, individual

capacities need to be improved for taxonomy. There needs to be capacity development for

research personnel dealing with socio-economic and policy aspects of biodiversity conservation.

In the forest department, a larger number of forest guards and lower level staff are necessary.

There are exemplary forest department officers in the region who can be effective role models

for others. A re-orientation of PA managers towards economic valuation, ecosystem services and

sustainable use aspects is necessary for in-service forest personnel.

2. Institutional capacity needs

Institutional mandates need to be better structured in terms of development and development of

projects. Some institutions are not clearly structured or managed. They seem to be top heavy. In

some cases, there are a large number of scientists and administrative support staff and fewer

research fellows and students. This problem has already been highlighted in the course of

preparing re-structuring plans for organizations such as the ZSI and the BSI. For example, as a

first step towards meeting the goals of the CBD, a national seminar on restructuring the roles of

the BSI and ZSI was conducted by the MoEF (MoEF 19991).

3. Systemic capacity needs

Linkages need to be made between research institutions and key regulatory agencies for the

region as a whole. Currently these linkages are somewhat blurred. Areas that should be addressed

as priorities are biotechnology and benefit-sharing. Policies need to emerge from research

outputs. Similarly linkages need to be established between various agencies carrying out

development activities and regulatory agencies. Environmental impact assessment plans also

need to be drafted specially for the Himalaya. An important systemic need for the Himalaya

would be a region specific action plan.

Inter-institutional linkages need to be improved for specific issues such as climate

change. Studies on climate change require multidisciplinary inputs ranging from bio-physical

sciences to socio-economic studies. Inter-institutional collaborations can also contribute to

sharing scientific infrastructure and expertise, infrastructural development such as field stations

and effective interdisciplinary research.

4. Proposed capacity building initiatives and projects for the thematic area

Multidisciplinary project on climate change

Large collaborative multidisciplinary project/s on climate change to measure species as well as

ecosystem responses to climate change. Agricultural change should also be monitored. Study

sites should be selected carefully encompassing a diversity of habitats, altitudinal and moisture

1 MoEF 1999. Proceedings of the National Seminar on the Role of Botanical Survey of India and the Zoological

Survey of India in the Next Millennium. MoEF. Govt. of India. New Delhi.

gradients. Liberal use of spatial technologies can be combined with computer modelling to create

scenarios for management experts. In order to measure changes, key ecosystem outputs such as

species densities, productivity, temperature and precipitation, stream discharge, need to be

measured over the long-term. Forest modelling, watershed research, glacial monitoring, should

be main components. The absence of long-term meteorological data in the Himalaya can be a

limiting factor.

The research teams should include biologists as well as social scientists. Information on

key sociological aspects especially factors such impacts on food security; as changes in the

migration of human labour, diseases, can be add ons. A project that aims at both research and

development and institutional capacity building can be envisaged. Such a project could have

similar components as that of the Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS)

initiative of the Department of Science and Technology1.

It is also unclear if there are a sufficient number of scientists with the level of expertise required

for climate changes studies. Therefore some amount of training and capacity building needs to be

carried out at this level. Associated infrastructure development could include the establishment

of a network of field and weather stations and permanent plots. It is important that MoUs and

guidelines for data sharing, sharing of resources and publishing guidelines are in place.

Additionally, recent international declarations such as the ‘Perth Declaration2’ on global change

affecting biosphere reserves could be of relevance to networking, funding and collaborative work

in the Indian Himalaya, especially with respect to the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

Valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services

Projects that assess the economic value of biodiversity and ecosystem services need to be

initiated. Himalayan biodiversity has a variety of values in medicine, agriculture, food and

1 For more details, visit the NRDMS website at: http://nrdms.gov.in/ or refer to the vision document available at:

http://nrdms.gov.in/NRDMS_vision_doc.pdf (Accessed on 9 Sept 06).

2 Declaration on Global Change Affecting Mountain Biosphere Reserves, the ‘Perth Declaration’. International Open

Science Conference ‘Global Change in Mountain Regions’ Perth, Scotland (United Kingdom), 2 to 6 October 2005.

industry, as well as spiritual, cultural and recreational values. Himalayan ecosystems also render

critical services such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling, soil maintenance, pollination

services and climate regulation. The value the life-supporting ecosystem services can be used as

incentives for conservation. Economic valuation of forests should be carried out along with

exploration of the potential for adequate alternate livelihoods and employment generation. For

example, exploratory projects focusing on this aspect have already been initiated in the

Uttaranchal Himalaya by ANSAB1 and FES2. Of particular importance for valuation would be

the mid-elevation forest types—banj (Quercus leucotrichophora) and moru oak (Quercus

dilalta) forests, low elevation alder (Alnus nepalensis) and chir pine (Pinus roxburghii).

Interdisciplinary projects on conservation and livelihoods involving participatory management

and village level institutions

Sustainable-use and alternate livelihood options need to be a greater part of biodiversity

conservation initiatives in the Himalaya region. The participation of local communities as well as

local village level institutions (such as Van Panchayats as opposed to state sponsored

programmes such as JFM) in designing and executing alternate livelihood options that could

improve food security, economic well being and gender equity need to be emphasized.

Interdisciplinary research into the theoretical as well as applied aspects of such exercises needs

to be initiated where institutions work with local bodies. A few projects have been initiated that

look at capacity building of community organisations (e.g. in Himachal Pradesh3), however these

need to be started on a larger scale.

1 http://www.ansab.org/cp_VES.php Accessed on 25 October 2006 (Valuation of ecosystem services of Himalaya

mountains forests for conservation through capacity building and policy interventions-A pilot study of Nepal and

Uttaranchal India).

2 Asher, M., P. Bhandari, K. Ramnarayan and E. Theophilus. 2002. Livelihoods in transition: Agriculture in the

alpine villages of Malla Johar, Western Himalaya. Working Paper 5. Foundation for Ecological Security.

3 For more details, see http://www.etfrn.org/ETFRN/WORKSHOP/BIODIVERSITY/documents/sharma.doc As-

sessed on 25 October 06 (Sharma, V. n.d. Capacity Building of Community Organisations for Biodiversity Monitor-

ing and Management in Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalayas, India.

A series of pilot projects could be initiated with government funding and institutional support on

the improvement of rural livelihoods at multiple sites and ecosystems. Appropriate alternative

livelihood options need to be selected on an individual site by site basis after consultation with

local institutions and looking into the real needs of the site, i.e. this could be sustainable

medicinal plant extraction (or cultivation) for a site, organic farming of indigenous varieties or

community ecotourism for other sites. Employment generation, benefit-sharing and gender

equity are issues that could be addressed in projects across sites. These projects need to be

initiated after consultation with organizations that have experience in the region1. Certain local

communities need to be incorporated in to these projects without extensive modification of their

traditional lifestyles. Livelihood options should be thought out carefully for communities that

have extensive mobility. Additional scientific components of such a project could include

mapping of potential conservation areas outside the PA network and identification of sites for

eco-restoration, the planting of fodder species.

Policy – Biotechnology, indigenous knowledge and benefit-sharing

For the Himalayan region in particular specific policies are needed to address equitable benefit

sharing, documentation and preservation of traditional knowledge (e.g., health, agro-pastoral,

water conservation systems) and intellectual property rights. It is desirable that a separate set of

policies be developed for the Himalaya. As a part of such a project, checklists, databases and

status reports of species with commercial importance (especially medicinal plants) can be

compiled. Policy formulation needs to be comprehensive and should be developed in

conjunction with research institutions as well as all concerned higher level governmental

departments to avoid contradictory policies. Efforts need to be made to communicate policy

guidelines to the relevant customs departments and regulatory bodies.

Education and awareness generation for conservation professionals and local people

Enhancing awareness and education among people through simple widespread programmes go a

long way in biodiversity conservation in the region. The same applies for professionals involved

in biodiversity conservation. Forest Department and NGO staff and researchers should be

encouraged to participate in advanced training programmes and refresher courses. Some basic 1 For example in Uttaranchal, projects have been initiated by FES, HESCO and AT-India.

biodiversity conservation concepts can be passed on to local people using simple techniques.

These could be by way of initiating eco clubs in schools, the dissemination of information

through booklets and posters in the local language, and setting up of websites.

CHAPTER 5

THE HIMALAYA: CAPACITY STATUS, PRIORITIES AND POTENTIAL PROJECTS

FOR THE TRANS HIMALAYA WITH RESPECT TO SPECIFIC ARTICLES

OF THE CONVENTION ON BIODIVERSITY

The Trans Himalaya: An evaluation of issues in the context of the CBD articles (Articles 6–

19)

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1 Article 6:

General Measures for Conservation and Sustainable Use

The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002), the Biodiversity Act (2002), Biodiversity Rules (2004), the National Environmental Policy (MoEF 2006)1, the Indian Forest Act, 1947 and Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (note that a different set of rules apply for J&K) have provisions built for basic biodiversity conservation in the Himalaya.

During the NBSAP process, action plans for the three northern states and sub-state level plans for Ladakh (Ladakh Sub-State BSAP 2003), Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts in the Trans Himalaya (Lahaul ad Spiti Sub-State BSAP 2002) were prepared. Recently, the Planning Commission has set up a Task Force on Mountain Ecosystems (as part of the 11th Five Year Plan).

Although a number of initiatives have addressed biodiversity prioritisation and planning, considering the vastness of the region and the potential impacts to biodiversity, there still needs to be more attention to specific aspects of biodiversity conservation and planning.

A key limitation that needs to be addressed speedily is the development of a specific action plan for the Trans Himalaya. It needs to be stressed repeatedly that larger regional policies should also stress on the distinctness of the Trans Himalaya. The Trans Himalaya is very distinct from even proximate biogeographic zones such as the Himalaya and biodiversity conservation planning exercises need to address specific important issues that are currently in focus in this region. Among these, initiatives need to be stepped

1 MoEF. 2006. National Environmental Policy. Ministry of Environment and Forests. Government of India.

Approved by the Union Cabinet on 18th May 2006.

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In the Trans Himalaya, in addition to the national and level planning exercises, international initiatives and organizations have also accorded importance to species and ecosystems (e.g., some high altitude wetlands1

in the Trans Himalaya receive special attention under Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971) and organisations such as the WWF and Wetlands International). The conservation species such as the snow leopard is addressed by strategies and action plans (Wikramanayake et al 20062) and those that figure in international trade are recognized by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species or CITES (example the Tibetan antelope as well as a large number of medicinal plants).

up to study and manage human-wildlife conflict are necessary. Status survey reports and future planning documents relating to endangered and threatened species are required. Ecotourism and heritage based conservation initiatives should receive adequate planning attention. In short, there is a requirement for a specific action plan for the Tans Himalaya.

2 Article 7:

Identification and Monitoring

Work has been carried on assessing the status, distribution and ecology of large mammals. Birds are also a relatively better studied group.

Floras of this region have

Fish, invertebrate and microbial inventories are deficient.

Although, floristically impoverished in comparison with the Himalaya, a large number of species are of

A systematic review of inventories and taxonomic knowledge would identify gaps. Institutions such as the WII should be encouraged to carry

1 Anon. 2003. Framework for an Action Plan on ‘Wetland Conservation and Wise Use in the Himalayan high

Mountains’ Ramsar and ICIMOD, Kathmandu, Nepal Available at: http://www.ramsar.org/key_himalayan_plan.htm2 Wikramanayake, E. et al. 2006. The WWF Snow Leopard Action Strategy for the Himalayan Region. WWF,

Bhutan.

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been compiled. Baseline information on medicinal plants has been documented for many areas in Ladakh and Lahaul and Spiti, hotspots such as Zanskar, Chang Thang, Nubra, Suru, Khardungla and Changla have been identified (Misra 20031).

Patterns of diversity are fairly well described.

medicinal importance and the status of many species is unknown.

this out with local organizations.

Relatively low-cost rapid surveys can be organized for inventorisation.

1 Misra, M.K. 2003. Baseline information on medicinal plant conservation and sustainable utilization. Overview

Report. Sponsored by UNDP/GEF, MoEF, GoI and coordinated by the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health

Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore.

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3 Article 8:

In-situ Conservation

Although, the PA network in the region does not have a scientific basis, but has a more or less adequate representation of most habitat types.

Currently, human influences are at worst only moderate in most places.

Forest and biodiversity protection staff are very few. In 2002, for an area of approximately 13, 000 sq km in Ladakh, there were only 20 staff members. Such numbers are clearly inadequate especially so in the Trans Himalaya where working conditions are extremely difficult. The regulation of tourism and the impact of pack animals also need to be taken up within PAs.

Most protected areas also encompass villages and agro-pastoral systems (there are no reserve forests to buffer human impacts) which people have been using for a long time.

Unregulated tourism can cause problems here.

As per the 1991 amendment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 all PAs constituting over 15000 sq km have technically become ‘core zones’ (which technically prevent human occupation and interference).

Clear delineation of boundaries for some PAs (such as the Karakorum WLS) need to be carried out, PA management staff should be increased, a closer examination of human-wildlife conflict in the region and the up gradation of logistics and infrastructure in some areas need to be carried out.

Instead of classifying whole protected areas as core areas, it has been suggested (Bhatnagar et al 20021), that careful delineation within Trans Himalayan PAs be carried out that identifies appropriate core and buffer areas within the mosaic of human use lands.

Potential Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas (MPCAs) have been identified as Khardungla, Changla, Nubra Valley, Suru Valley and Zanskar and the Lahaul and Spiti Valley (Misra 20032).

4 Article 9:

Ex-situ Conservation

Institutions such as Himalayan Forest Research Institute and Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu have ex-situ conservation facilities for plants. Forest Departments such as the State Forest

There are hardly any ex-situ conservation facilities in the Trans-Himalaya.

Ex-situ conservation of certain medicinal plants and aromatic plants, indigenous crops and breeds is needed. Basic

A formal review of ex-situ initiatives is proposed which takes into account efforts by all concerned government departments and

1 Bhatnagar, Y.V., V.B. Mathur and T. McCarthy. 2002. A regional perspective for snow leopard conservation in the

Indian Trans Himalaya. Envis Bulletin on Wildlife and Protected Areas 2002(1):57-76. 2 Misra, M.K. 2003. Baseline information on medicinal plant conservation and sustainable utilization. Overview

Report. Sponsored by UNDP/GEF, MoEF, GoI and coordinated by the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health

Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore.

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Department of J&K are also involved.

molecular labs and germplasm facilities are needed.

NGOs working in the region.

5 Article 10:

Sustainable Use of Components of Biological Diversity

Many traditional knowledge and practices related to the use of medicinal and aromatic plants, indigenous crops, seed banks, water management, etc. have been sustainable at low human population densities and would only require modification.

Ethno botanical knowledge in the region is considerable. The region is rich in medicinal and aromatic plant resources as well as a hotspot for tourism. These can yield adequate rewards if they are used sustain ably.

The home stay system seems to be gaining ground in Ladakh and may be an appropriate model for other Trans Himalayan regions.

Currently, information on status and distribution as well as sustainable use guidelines are lacking for medicinal plants. There is unregulated collection and commercialisation. Some organizations have speculated that Aconites and Podophyllum seem to be on the brink of extinction and estimated that for a few species, there has been up to 80percent depletion in population.1.

Of particular importance is the sustainable use and benefit-sharing guidelines for sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), which is extracted on a large scale.

The government has to provide more attention to ecotourism plans and policies.

Sustainable use of resources should be brought under the framework of appropriate traditional knowledge and IPR guidelines.

There needs to be a co-ordination and sharing of information among groups working on sustainable use aspects with those working on biodiversity survey and monitoring.

Some capacity building projects could be initiated to address gender related issues in addition to biodiversity conservation.

Appropriate harvesting methodologies, thresholds and benefit-sharing guidelines need to be developed for sea buckthorn and medicinal plants such as Ephedra gerardiana, Podophyllum hexandrum, Aconitum heterophyllum and other medicinal plants.

6 Article 11:

Incentive Measures

Notable incentive and insurance programmes have been carried out by the Nature Conservation Foundation, the International

The development of economic and social livelihood options must be a primary responsibility of conservation organizations in the Trans

Avenues for developing incentive base livelihoods in the Himalayan region include

1 Information from Pragya website: http://www.pragya.org/nwproar.htm accessed on 9 September 2006.

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Snow Leopard Trust and partner organizations. These are further elaborated in Jackson and Wanchuk 20011

and Mishra et al. 20032.

Projects such as the Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihoods Improvement Project (BCRLIP) have initiated attempts to biodiversity conservation by improving livelihoods and income opportunities in high-value biodiversity landscapes.

Himalaya. This should apply to both government organizations as well as NGOs. Currently most livelihood initiatives have been initiated by NGOs at a small scale.

participatory development in ethno botany and ecotourism under the framework of appropriate policy.

7 Article 12:

Research and Training

There are considerable capacities in wildlife research staff and a lot of work has been carried out on biodiversity assessment and inventories of certain groups.

The region has benefited from the expertise of a number of outside agencies (e.g. NORAD).

There is a need for improved scientific education and training for Forest Department staff as well as for other professionals involved in biodiversity conservation.

Currently, human resources are inadequate as there is not enough park management staff. Staff needs to be trained on a variety of fronts ranging from basic biodiversity conservation to trade related aspects.

Setting up a different management cadre for the division needs to be considered.

Training also need to focus on wildlife trade. For e.g., basic training in forensics need to be given.

Training could also be given to people indirectly engaged in conservation or people who can be potentially be of help. These include

1 Jackson, R. and R. Wanchuk. 2001. Linking snow leopard conservation and people-wildlife conflict resolution:

Grassroots measures to protect the endangered snow leopard from herder retribution. Endangered Species

UPDATE. 18(4):138-141.

2 Mishra, C., P. Allen, T. McCarthy, M.D. Madhusudan, A. Bayajargal and H.H.T. Prins. 2003. The role of incentive

programs in conserving the snow leopard. Conservation Biology 17(6):1512-1520.

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local administrators, police, customs personnel, and army personnel and others.

8 Article 13:

Public Education and Awareness

Student organisations such as the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) are active in the region.

Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), Jammu has a Biodiversity Information network (BIONET).

Organizations such as the Ladakh Ecological Group have been active in promoting overall development along sound ecological and cultural tenets (e.g. traditional agricultural practices, land rights, etc.). A number of small NGOs in the region have the potential to take up educational projects.

Awareness about biodiversity and conservation is not included at the school level.

Small capacity building grants can be provided to each organization to develop interpretation programmes for its activities.

Student organizations such as SECMOL could be encouraged to develop independent educational programmes.

9 Article 14:

Impact Assessment and Minimizing Adverse Impacts

According to the provisions of the EIA Notification (May, 1994), clearances are mandatory for all projects in areas notified as ecologically sensitive or fragile under the EPA (1986). Hilly and mountain areas are covered under this.

There are very few formal EIA studies.

There should be a focus on the impacts of roads, development activities and garbage as a result of tourism.

As is the case with the Himalaya, the Trans-Himalaya also requires a specific set of EIA guidelines as a result of steep slopes and extreme environmental conditions.

10 Article 15:

There are a number of genetic resources relating to agricultural, horticultural,

Extraction of resources especially that of medicinal and aromatic plants are being

Commercialization that takes economic benefits away from

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Access to Genetic Resources

livestock, fisheries, medicinal and other NTFPs that are exploited from the Trans Himalayan region.

Agreements like the TRIPS (Trade Related Aspects of International Property Rights) of the WTO do not favour the developing countries1, nevertheless India is now moving forward and recently a number of legal instruments have been put in place like the Plant Varieties Protection and Farmers’ Rights Act (20012), The Patent Second Amendment Act 2002, Patent Third Amendment Act (2006), Biodiversity Act (2002), Draft National Biotechnology Strategy and Policy (2005).

carried out in an unregulated fashion. These include even for commonly extracted local species such as sea buckthorn.

Many medicinal plants are being unsustainably harvested. Such practices have necessitated the regulation of exploitation and the sharing of benefits with local communities. It is also necessary to ensure that adequate intellectual benefits such as IPR patents be granted to the traditional practitioners.

local communities should be discouraged. To cater to these requirements it is necessary to constitute regulatory bodies and policies that provide enough geographical focus on this region.

11 Article 16:

Access to and Transfer of Technology

Limited. No capacity strengths.

There does not seem to be any formal mechanisms for transfer of technology.

Since there are fewer academic institutions, there is a lower presence of contributions from the region in peer-reviewed literature.

Manuals, management plans, policy documents, etc. on various aspects of biodiversity conservation are lacking.

Currently, there are insufficient monetary and IPR

Adequate precautions need to be in place to discourage unregulated commercialisation and misappropriation of patents by pharmaceutical companies and individuals.

Peer-reviewed publications need to be encouraged for academic

1 See for e.g., India’s submissions to the WTO, Department of Commerce.2 The Plant Varieties Protection and Farmers’ Rights Act (2001), The Patent Second Amendment Act 2002, Patent

Third Amendment Act (2006), Biodiversity Act (2002), Draft National Biotechnology Strategy and Policy (2005).

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benefits to traditional knowledge practitioners with respect to transfer of knowledge regarding genetic resources. This is especially with respect to patents in the pharmaceutical industry.

institutions and institutions must be encouraged to develop management plans policy documents on their area of expertise.

12 Article 17:

Exchange of Information

There are limited capacities on the whole but the region benefits from national level initiatives such as the Biodiversity Information System.

Exchange of information between government departments is low. For example there needs to be an integration of the goals of the MoEF, the DBT and the Department of Commerce with respect to biotech policies and commercialisation.

An ENVIS centre or other clearing-house node for the region is essential.

Events that facilitate frequent meetings between stakeholders need to be organized as a capacity building measure.

13 Article 18:

Technical and Scientific Cooperation

Biodiversity conservation initiatives have been developed between organizations working in the region. e.g., the Wildlife Institute of India initiated tripartite collaborative programmes with the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Scientific and technical cooperation between like-minded NGOs (e.g. NCF, Mysore, the ISLT and the SLC) have been initiated.

Current collaborative exercises are limited and need to be upgraded to involve all aspects of biodiversity.

Multi-institutional collaborations need to be developed for designing surveys as well as developing sustainable use projects.

Co-operation between ministries and departments is necessary for framing system level policies for biotechnology and ecotourism.

14 Article 19:

Handling

The region is rich in biotech resources especially with respect to medicinal and aromatic plants, indigenous

Policies need to be formulated to provide benefits local people especially with respect to medicinal plants and agro-

A biotech framework would be of extreme importance to

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of Biotechnology and Distribution of its Benefits

varieties of agricultural crops and livestock. Revenue from biotech related aspects of biodiversity could be of significance to some sections of society in the region.

biodiversity. The current policy framework is extremely weak.

Since much of the knowledge of its bioresources is derived from local people, it has to be ensured that the economic as well as IPR benefits reach them. It is essential that effective policies as well as regulations are in place for sustainable collection/cultivation, manufacturers and marketing of these resources.

Currently, there is a lack of benefit-sharing models that have worked in the region - the TBGRI-Kani tribal model in southern India is probably the only model of this kind to date.

regions such as the Himalaya where medicinal and ethnobotanical wild resources hold extreme potential for utilization, but at the same time are vulnerable to misuse.

Benefit-sharing arrangements for biotechnology need to be enforced through biodiversity and conservation related laws also and not just through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

15 The ‘Cartagena’ Biosafety Protocol

The inter-ministerial Task Force on biosafety was set up by in 1997-98 to develop India’s stand on biosafety issues.It has been proposed for some mountain areas that a special policy or set of guidelines be prepared that gives preferential treatment to mountain communities to

People living in mountain regions are particularly vulnerable with respect to food security. Globalisation could lead to the influx of modified species, which in turn could wipe out indigenous varieties and brought about changes in agricultural patterns and practices. For these regions more attention need to be paid

Biosafety norms as per the CPB (Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, 2000) need to be assessed in detail for the Himalaya and Trans Himalaya region.

Anticipatory/precautionary decision

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buffer them from potential negative impacts of GM crops (Adhikari and Adhikari 20031).

to food norms and farmers rights and the introduction of GM crops and other potentially harmful practices.

making may be relevant for this region (Gupta 20002).

1 Adhikari, R. and K. Adhikari (eds.) 2003. Farmers’ Rights to Livelihood in the Hindu-Kush Himalayas. SAWTEE,

Kathmandu, Nepal.

2 Gupta, A. 2000. Governing Biosafety in India: The Relevance of the Cartagena Protocol. Belfer Center for Science

and International Affairs (BCSIA) Discussion Paper 2000-24, Environment and Natural Resources Program,

Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 2000.

3. Conclusions

a. Capacity Status and Strengths

A number of biodiversity conservation planning documents have focused on the Trans

Himalaya. The NBSAP initiative focused on districts within the Trans Himalaya and has

identified region-specific issues. Research on important umbrella species such as the Snow

Leopard and its prey species have contributed to biodiversity research in general. Currently,

as a result of a number of such initiatives, there seems to be a good coverage of research

topics, species and ecosystems.

Historically, the region has supported very low human population densities and even

now population densities are low in most parts of the Trans Himalaya. This makes PA

management easier and in most places no active management is required. This gives PA

managers room to concentrate on areas of heavy grazing (livestock numbers have increased

tremendously), tourist influx and other problems. Though human-wildlife conflicts have

existed even in the past (at a much smaller-scale), solutions that combine traditional

responses and ingenious insurance and incentive schemes seem to be effective.

As is the case with the Himalaya, the Trans Himalaya is also rich in medicinal and

aromatic plant resources and indigenous agro-pastoral diversity. Therefore, under the

framework of proper policy and guidelines, these resources can benefit local people. Some

such initiatives have already begun and need to be monitored for sustainability like the

utilization and commercialisation of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides). As an alternate

livelihood option, ecotourism has gained ground and has received considerable attention

from researchers.

b. Capacity Gaps and Weaknesses

Infrastructure and logistics

The Trans Himalaya still remains one of the remotest biogeographic zones in the country.

Infrastructure and logistics are still poor for the region as a whole. Field stations and

equipment, long-term monitoring stations, multi-institutional set-ups (like Wildlife Institute

of India – International Snow Leopard Trust model) need to be tested. Advanced facilities

such as GIS labs are also lacking in this region. Transport and communication facilities

need to be improved for the Forest Department as well as research personnel. Forest guards

in particular need to be outfitted with appropriate equipment. Data stations need to be set up

to monitor climate and gather data on the effects of climate change. Wetlands should be

given priority as they are directly affected.

Research

There are still many faunal groups that are largely unstudied with respect to taxonomy as

well as status, distribution and ecology. Since most of the ecosystems are simple and host

fewer species (than the main Himalaya), systematic surveys could be carried out for basic

documentation and taxonomy. Spatial information on the distribution and status of

medicinal plants could be given priority. Additional research and monitoring is required on

species that are currently under threat or being commercially exploited. Human-wildlife

conflict and its potential impacts should be studied in more detail. Spatial information on

the distribution and status of medicinal plants could be given priority. More databases and

clearing-house mechanisms are needed for the region. The primary requirement here is for

an ENVIS node or database centre for the Trans Himalaya.

Much of the Trans Himalaya is still largely undisturbed and has low human

population densities. In many such areas no additional management interventions are

required. At the same time, it is important to identify critical areas requiring immediate

management intervention. For example ecotourism facilities in the vicinity of Tso-Moriri

and Korzok have been known to cause a variety of problems. Such sites need to be given

special attention.

Socio-economic data on the region needs to be compiled and made available to

biodiversity practitioners. Land use zonation and patterns need to be studied. Socio-

economic evaluations and alternate livelihood practices also remain to be researched.

Protected Area design and management

Management units within PAs should be identified. The current classification (as per the

1991 amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972) of PAs as entirely core zones is not

practical. Therefore, careful delineation needs to be attempted that identifies appropriate

core and buffer areas within the mosaic of human use lands.

Officers at the departmental level should be given orientation to multi-disciplinary

exercises and need to be encouraged to develop projects of that nature. Local forest and

wildlife officials should be identified who can administer such projects effectively.

PA management should accord more importance to wildlife related issues and less

to forestry. This would entail greater involvement of the State Wildlife Wings. Care should

be taken to avoid establishing large-scale plantations of exotic poplars (Populus sp.) and

willows (Salix sp.), which may turn out to be detrimental to local biodiversity conservation.

Conservation in the region is largely based on umbrella/ flagship species approaches and

revolves around the conservation of species such as the snow leopard, ibex, bharal and

kiang and species associated with them. Community based management of human-wildlife

conflicts should also be explored. Development of management plans incorporating the

various aspects of biodiversity conservation specific to the region should be undertaken.

Human Resources

Currently, human resources are lacking for the region. There is a shortage of trained and

dedicated personnel. For example in Ladakh, in 2002, there were only 20 park staff for

over 13500 sq km of PAs and a similar situation exists in the neighbouring district of

Lahaul and Spiti. It is largely impractical for such a small team of personnel to take care of

extensive areas especially in the harsh climatic conditions prevalent in the region. The

requirement is to have a larger number of better trained people and to provide orientation

and training programmes to staff who are already employed. There needs to be a greater

amount of information and information sharing between researchers and administrative

personnel in the region. Personnel from other departments such as agriculture, animal

husbandry, revenue, police and customs and the armed forces should be involved in

biodiversity conservation measures. Such networking and training may require only

minimal financial inputs, but may result in a number of benefits. The army and customs

departments can be involved in monitoring wildlife trade; the army could be particularly

useful in monitoring areas close to the border.

Sustainable use and livelihoods

Sustainable use and alternate livelihoods projects need to be initiated. Sufficient incentives

need to be provided to local communities to conserve biodiversity effectively. Currently

there seems to be a point of view that there are more incentives to poach and trade than

conserve biodiversity. This needs to be given special attention since there is trade in species

(especially large mammals such as snow leopard and chiru). In many cases, the customers,

middlemen and workers from areas outside the study region have impacts and may be

impacted by wildlife trade. Studies that have looked at socio-economic aspects and impacts

on communities dependent on wildlife trade need to be furthered. For example, Gopinath et

al. 20031 enumerated shahtoosh weavers in the Kashmir Valley and are of the view that

timely interventions by the government can fully compensate losses incurred by the ban on

shahtoosh; alternate options such as their entry into pashmina weaving markets are already

underway. A number of community based incentive programmes involving livestock

insurance and incentives in dealing with grazing and snow-leopard depredation

(programmes have been initiated by NGOs such as the NCF and ISLT and associated

organisations) are gaining ground. However for large-scale success, a larger number of such

projects need to be initiated by governments also. Projects that examine how the private

sector can contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation in the region should be

encouraged.

Existing sustainable use and exploitation models especially relating to plant species

need to be reviewed. Of primary significance is the exploitation and sale of seabuckthorn

given its widespread presence in the region and the recent attempts by various

organizations to develop beverages and other products. Medicinal plant conservation and

utilization also needs to be brought under the sustainable use and benefit-sharing

frameworks, so that economic benefits and intellectual rights go to local communities.

1 Gopinath, R., R. Ahmed, A. Kumar and A. Mookerjee. 2003. Beyond the Ban: A Census of Shahtoosh

Workers in Jammu and Kashmir. Wildlife Trust of India and International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Tourism contributes to the economy of the region, especially to urban centres such

as Leh and along major trek routes. The concept of home stays is also beginning to get

established. Since the area is ecologically fragile, more assessments are required to look at

sustainable ecotourism. There is an overall need to strengthen local institutions for

biodiversity conservation and to enhance rural livelihoods. Theoretical frameworks for

economic development of the trans Himalaya has been explored in some detail (for a such a

study and discussion of two villages in Spiti District, see Chandrasekhar and Bhaduri

20061).

Policy and advocacy

Inter-disciplinary policy/advisory groups need to be formed. In the current scenario, where

emerging challenges are largely livelihood based, it is unreasonable to expect any one

department to single handedly manage these issues. Institutional arrangements seem to be

lacking for collaboration among NGOs, communities and the government. A number of

networking projects need to be funded and initiated. Policy related work especially with

sustainable development and livelihoods needs to be distinct from that of the main

Himalaya, since the Trans Himalayan zone is distinct. Sustainable policies for specific

issues such as intellectual property rights, medicinal plant conservation and biotechnology

for the region need to be prepared.

c. Capacity Needs and Recommendations

1. Individual capacity needs

Individual capacity needs such as training in taxonomic capacities and PA management

need to be addressed for the region. There is a need for increasing the number of trained PA

management staff. Since the needs of this region are specific, the FD staff should be given

special training on aspects such as the potential impacts of climate change, planting of

exotic species, minimizing human-wildlife conflict, wildlife trade, etc. Networking needs to

1 K. Chandrasekhar and S. Bhaduri, 2006. Vicarious learning and socio-economic transformation in Indian

Trans-Himalaya: An evolutionary tale of economic development and policy making. Papers on Economics

and Evolution 2005-18, Max Planck Institute of Economics, Evolutionary Economics Group.

be facilitated between individuals involved in biodiversity conservation and personnel from

other departments and organizations, especially the army. Research and training

opportunities need to be improved for almost all aspects of biodiversity conservation.

2. Institutional capacity needs

There are hardly any institutions dealing with the Trans Himalaya as a thematic mandate.

This is particularly so with regard to government institutions. Other than the Forest

Department, a large central institution for the region is absent. Existing institutional

capacities are especially lacking in terms of scientific infrastructure such as advanced

equipment, and GIS and molecular labs. Field stations and communication facilities need to

be upgraded and there needs to be networking with the armed forces for providing logistic

facilities in remote border areas. Library and documentation centres and a clearing-house

facility need to be established.

In this region a number of institutions such as the Armed Forces are involved in

biodiversity related issues (e.g. The Field Research Laboratory, Leh). Awareness generation

among these institutions about biodiversity needs to be brought into the mandate of the

primary organizations.

For many of the institutions, current missions are towards the protection of certain

species (chiru, Snow Leopard) or ecosystems. Although flagship/ charismatic, large-

vertebrate centric approaches are needed and still pertinent to a large extent, there needs to

be more focus towards conservation of overall diversity. Currently, the onus is on these

scattered NGOs to develop sustainable use models as well as in developing incentives to

mitigate human wildlife conflicts.

1. Systemic capacity needs

The Trans Himalayan zone is yet to have an institution dedicated to holistic biodiversity

conservation of this fragile zone. The same applies to an action plan for the area. A plan for

this region would need to incorporate three major aspects: a sustainable use policy,

guidelines and regulations for appropriate use of biotic resources and ecotourism. EIA and

mitigation of human-wildlife conflict also need to be addressed at the system level.

4. Proposed capacity building initiatives and projects for the region

Sustainable use, incentives and policies

Biodiversity conservation in resource poor areas and fragile ecosystems need a different set

of protection measures. This is especially so in the light of exploitation of valuable natural

resources, especially agricultural, medicinal and aromatic plant species. In the Trans

Himalaya there are evidences of unsustainable practices and an absence of regulation of

commercialisation. Existing exploitation practices, commercialisation, benefit-sharing and

IPR aspects of seabuckthorn as well as of a variety of medicinal plants (many of which are

used in traditional Tibetan medicine) need to be reviewed and appropriate institutional

capacities need to be developed for this purpose. It should also be examined as to how the

private sector can contribute meaningfully to such enterprises.

Human-wildlife conflict and solutions

As a result of increased human and livestock numbers in the past few decades, there has

been an escalation in human wildlife conflict. Depredation by snow-leopards and wolves is

common and local people lose considerable revenue from livestock that are predated on by

these carnivores. Domestic livestock also compete for food resources of wild ungulates.

Currently, a few organizations have been working at the grass-roots level to bring about

socio-economic change within local communities and provide incentives for the protection

of these large mammals. A number of measures have been suggested by researchers

working on these aspects (see for example Jackson and Wanchuk 20011). These include

improving animal husbandry measures, predator proofing enclosures, generating awareness

among and providing economic incentives, alternatives and insurance schemes especially

by the adoption of Appreciative Participatory Planning and Action (APPA techniques).

1 Jackson, R. and R. Wanchuk. 2001. Linking snow leopard conservation and people-wildlife conflict

resolution: Grassroots measures to protect the endangered snow leopard from herder retribution. Endangered

Species UPDATE. 18(4):138-141.

These are being explored in Ladakh as well as Tibet and Mongolia. Incentives for keeping

livestock out of certain pastures and insurance and compensation programmes for loss of

livestock are being tried out. Most of these projects have been initiated by NGOs such as

the Nature Conservation Foundation, the International Snow Leopard Trust and the Snow

Leopard Conservancy. A number of positive developments have been reported in this

context and it would be worthwhile to investigate if such schemes can be initiated at a

larger level. The initial components of such a project could be aimed at testing the efficacy

of such initiatives.

PA delineation, management, human resources and infrastructure

A project dealing to address current problems relating to protected area management, PA

delineation, infrastructure and human resources development is necessary for the

Trans Himalaya. Currently, as outlined in the preceding section, there are problems

associated with the legal status of some PAs (some are entirely classified as

inviolate core areas). Such classification is impractical and can cause problems

further on. The Forest Department in Ladakh and Lahaul and Spiti district has very

few staff members. Therefore at the current strength, there is very little patrolling

and monitoring that can be done in these areas. A number of experts have also

pointed out that PA manager in the Trans Himalaya need to have a specialized set

of skills different from those required for the rest of the country. Therefore

capacity building of the PA management system is necessary. Infrastructure,

transport and communication facilities are also lacking. Although this has helped

in insulating the region from unregulated development, some critical infrastructure

needs have to be met. These include GIS labs, field stations, library and

documentation centres.

Special Action Plan for the Trans-Himalaya

Most policies, strategies and action plans do not account for the distinctness of the Trans

Himalaya. Conservation and development in this region needs to be specifically suited to

the environmental fragility and unique cultural aspects of this region. The Trans Himalaya

is widely different form all the other biogeographic zones including the main Himalaya on

the other side of the divide, and adequate expertise needs to be developed in terms of

research and human resources to develop specific strategies for this region. These could be

with respect to key aspects such as the management of human-wildlife conflict, ecotourism

and heritage based conservation, sustainable use, etc. or for the management of species and

ecosystems that are unique to the region. There should also be separate database and

clearing-house mechanisms for the Trans Himalaya. Similarly, at the moment, inter-

institutional collaboration is lacking in the region. Therefore, would also be useful to

develop a dynamic network of institutions involved in this region.

Sources of Information

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NBSAP – Documents

1. Gori River Basin Sub-State BSAP 2003. Full citation. Foundation for Ecological Security

(FES). 2003. A Biodiversity Log and Strategy Input Document for the Gori River Basin.

Western Himalayan Ecoregion, Dst. Pithoragarh, Uttaranchal. A substate process under the

NBSAP-India. Submitted to the MoEF, GoI, New Delhi.

2. Ladakh Sub-State BSAP 2003. Full citation. Ladakh Ecological Development Group,

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coordinated by Dawa, S. & Humbert-Droz, B., LEDeG. Prepared under the National

Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan – India, executed by the Ministry of Environment &

Forests, Government of India, technical implementation by the Technical & Policy Core

Group (TPCG) coordinated by Kalpavriksh and administrative coordination by Biotech

Consortium India Ltd., funded by the Global Environment Facility through the United

Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

3. Lahaul ad Spiti Sub-State BSAP 2002. Full citation. Tribal Development Department, H.P

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GoI, New Delhi.

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India.

Websites

http://www.pragya.org/nwproar.htm - Pragya website accessed on 9 September 2006.

http://projecttiger.nic.in/BCRLIProject.htm

http://www.ansab.org/cp_VES.php

http://www.biodiv.org/doc/world/in/in-nr-me-en.doc accessed on 30th August 2006.

http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots/himalaya/

http://www.conservation.org/xp/Hotspots/himalaya/

http://www.mtnforum.org/resources/library/ganga02a.htm accessed on 25 August 06

http://nrdms.gov.in/NRDMS_vision_doc.pdf (Accessed on 9 Sept 06).

http://nrdms.gov.in/

http://projecttiger.nic.in/BCRLIProject.htm

Questionnaire Responses

We received 28 responses to the questionnaire from various stakeholders working in Himalayas and

Trans Himalayan Region – 6 from the Forest Department, 13 from Government Institutions and

Authorities, 2 from Educational Institutions, 5 from Research NGOs and 2 from Advocacy NGOs.

Interviews and Expert Questionnaires

The following individuals were asked for their opinions and views for the Himalayan and Trans-

Himalayan region – Dr. Ashwini Chhatre (Duke University), Mr. Rohit Devlal (Appropriate

Technology, India), Dr. Joseph L. Fox (University of TromsØ, Norway), Prof. Brij Gopal

(Jawaharlal Nehru University), Dr. P.K. Joshi (Indian Institute of Remote Sensing), Dr. C.P. Kala

(National Medicinal Plants Board), Dr. R.K. Maikhuri (GBPIHED), Charudutt Mishra (NCF-

Mysore and International Snow-Leopard Trust), Tsewang Namgail , Dr. M.C. Nautiyal, Dr.

Sanjeeva Pandey (Winrock International and Forest Department), Dr. K. Ramesh (Wildlife Institute

of India), Dr. K.S. Rao (CISMHE), Dr. G.S. Rawat (Wildlife Institute of India), Vinay Tandon

(Winrock International and Forest Department), Rajesh Thadani (CHIRAG) and Rinchen Wanchuk

(Snow Leopard Conservancy).