Abstract ID: 3.10929 | Accepted as Talk | Talk | TBA | TBA

Mountain ecosystems are highly sensitive to environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures, necessitating sustainable transformation approaches that align with ecological integrity and socio-economic well-being. The Indian Himalayas, particularly in Uttarakhand, offer a critical landscape for studying nature-based transformation, which integrates ecological restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience. This research explores the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in transforming mountain landscapes in Uttarakhand by examining their impact on ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, and local communities. The study is conducted in selected field sites across Uttarakhand and Himanchal Pradesh states including the alpine meadows, mid-hill forests, and riverine ecosystems, where various nature-based initiatives have been implemented. Using a mixed-method approach, this research combines remote sensing data, ecological surveys, and socio-economic assessments through participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques and stakeholder interviews. The study identifies key drivers of landscape degradation, such as deforestation, unsustainable tourism, and climate change, while assessing the effectiveness of restoration efforts like afforestation, agroforestry, watershed management, and eco-tourism models. The findings reveal that nature-based approaches not only enhance biodiversity but also contribute to local economic stability by fostering sustainable tourism, organic farming, and traditional conservation practices. The paper further evaluates the policy frameworks that support or hinder nature-based transformations and suggests policy recommendations for scaling up successful initiatives. Challenges such as governance issues, financial constraints, and community participation are discussed to provide a holistic perspective on implementing NbS in mountainous regions. This research highlights that integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation techniques is crucial for fostering resilience in the Indian Himalayas. By bridging the gap between environmental sustainability and community development, nature-based transformations can serve as a model for other mountainous regions worldwide facing similar ecological and socio-economic challenges.