Conserving Tibetan and Himalayan ecosystems

The Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayan region, often referred to as the ‘Third Pole’, play a vital role in global climate regulation, water resource supply, soil organic carbon storage, and harboring unique biodiversity. These high-elevation mountain ecosystems are increasingly threatened by both natural and anthropogenic factors, such as climate change, overgrazing, rodent outbreak, and unsustainable land use practices. These pressures not only jeopardize the ecological integrity of the region but also the livelihoods of millions who rely on these ecosystems for water, pasture, and other resources. This session will explore the multifaceted drivers behind Tibetan and Himalayan ecosystem degradation, exploring current state and the causes. It will cover restoration strategies for high-elevation ecosystems, including sustainable grazing and adaptive land use practices, with a focus on nature-based solutions that leverage natural processes. Traditional land management and indigenous knowledge will be highlighted as valuable complements to scientific approaches, ensuring culturally and locally accepted solutions. Case studies from the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas will showcase successful conservation initiatives, aiming to inspire science-based insights and policy recommendations that foster resilience and sustainable development in these critical mountain regions.