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FS 3.185

Himalayan Forests Under Stress

Details

Full Title
FS 3.185: Himalayan Forests Under Stress: Dynamics, Risks, and Resilience in the Face of Climate Change and Disasters
Scheduled
TBA
Location
TBA
Convener
Dipesh Chapagain
Co-Conveners
Binaya Pasakhala,
Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
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Thematic Focus
Adaptation, ES-Forests, Hazards, Policy, Sustainable Development
Keywords
Mountain Forests, Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience, Himalaya

Description

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Himalayan forests are vital for providing a wide range of ecosystem services, such as climate and water regulation, erosion control, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and support for local livelihoods. However, these forests are under increasing pressure from climate change, disasters, and human activities. The degradation of forest ecosystems severely impacts their ability to provide ecosystem services, resulting in significant socioeconomic challenges for millions of people in both local and downstream communities. Addressing these challenges requires advancing scientific understanding and implementing sustainable forest management practices. This session aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights and foster collaborations that can enhance the resilience of mountain forests and the communities that depend on them. We invite abstracts that explore the complex interplay between forest dynamics, climate change, and human activities in the Himalayan region. Contributions can focus on, but are not limited to

Impacts of climate change and human activities on forest structure, composition, and dynamics in the Himalayas.
Linkages between forest ecosystem health and climate-related disasters such as forest fires, floods, and landslides.
Key drivers behind the increasing frequency and intensity of forest fires in the Himalayan region.
Sustainable forest management practices and their role in enhancing resilience and reducing disaster risks.
Policy and governance frameworks for managing Himalayan forests amid climate change and disaster challenges.

Submitted Abstracts

ID: 3.7698

Impact of Forest Fires on Invertebrate Bioindicators in Uttarakhand, India, Western Himalaya

Vp Uniyal
Pansare, Pratik

Abstract/Description

Forest fires are a natural phenomenon occurring frequently in various forest types across the western Himalayan region of India, particularly causing significant disturbances and loss to forest ecosystems. These fires, exacerbated by factors such as lightning and traditional community practices, pose a considerable threat to biodiversity. Communities often use controlled fires to maintain surrounding grasslands, further adding to the frequency of forest fires. Uttarakhand, a state in this region, experiences forest fires annually during the summer season. The frequency and scale of these fires have increased in recent years. Leveraging satellite data for real-time monitoring and mapping has become essential in assessing the substantial damage these fires inflict on natural resources. The effects of forest fires on biological diversity are profound and far-reaching. At a global scale, forest fires contribute significantly to carbon emissions, exacerbating global warming and leading to potential biodiversity loss. To better understand the impact of frequent forest fires on biodiversity and forest community dynamics, a study was conducted in different forest divisions of Garhwal. The study involved surveying forest fire regimes, recently burnt areas, and control sites across six forest divisions. We assessed floral and faunal diversity, including potential indicator species of invertebrates and their associated communities. The findings revealed that insect diversity was highest in areas with low fire frequency and significantly reduced in areas with frequent fires, indicating a loss of macrohabitats due to the adverse effects of forest fires. The consequences of these fires are severe, extending beyond biodiversity loss to include soil erosion, air pollution, and negative impacts on ecosystems and human communities. Moreover, forest fires contribute to climate change and pose a substantial threat to the health and resilience of forest ecosystems in the region.

ID: 3.10254

Back to the communities: sustainable approach to forest fire management in High-Altitude Regions of Nepal

Meena Bohara
Karki, Rahul; Shrestha, Manish

Abstract/Description

Forest fires pose a significant threat to ecosystems and livelihoods in Nepal’s high-altitude regions, driven by climate change and human activities. This study examines community perceptions, preparedness, and management strategies for forest fires in the Himalayan districts of Nepal. Taking the case of Sindhupalchowk and Dolakha districts, this paper aims to identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening community-led fire management.
This research draws on a mixed-method approach, integrating structured questionnaire surveys (n=87), key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Stratified random sampling ensured inclusivity across gender, Indigenous status, and socio-economic vulnerability. The survey assessed local knowledge, perceptions, and responses to forest fire occurrences, causes, and management in four community forests in Sindhupalchowk and Dolakha participated in the study.
Findings reveal diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds among participants, with indigenous and economically vulnerable households most affected by fires. While 98% of respondents acknowledged rising fire frequency and moderate to high fire severity, their knowledge of prevention and management strategies remained limited. The absence of formal coordination mechanisms resulted in fragmented responses and weak institutional support, leaving CFUGs as the primary actors in fire management. Major fire drivers included slash-and-burn agriculture, uncontrolled grazing, negligence, and limited awareness.
Despite these challenges, majority of the of community members (92%) expressed strong willingness to engage in fire mitigation efforts, provided they received adequate training, resources, and an organized coordination framework. This study underscores the urgent need for an integrated, community-led fire management approach that prioritizes local capacity building, fosters collaboration among community groups, and blends traditional knowledge with modern fire management practices. Strengthening legal frameworks and institutional support mechanisms is essential for enhancing fire management effectiveness.
The findings provide critical insights for policymakers, forest managers, and community leaders to design and implement more effective forest fire mitigation strategies.

ID: 3.10545

Forest Fire Risks in Changing Climate over the Southern Slope of Himalayas

Binod Pokharel
Kuikel, Sajesh; Aryal, Deepak; Marahatta, Suresh

Abstract/Description

The southern slope of the Himalayas is increasingly vulnerable to two critical climate extremes: intense summer monsoon rainfall and prolonged winter droughts. These extremes challenge water resource management and amplify forest fire risks. All three versions of Climate models (CMIP3 , CMIP5, and CMIP6) project that these conditions will intensify under a warming climate. Extreme summer monsoon rainfall exacerbates floods and landslides, while winter droughts, marked by minimal precipitation, heighten forest fire risks. In Nepal, forest fires have grown more extensive and prolonged, with climate models indicating further escalation due to drier winters. Historical data reveal a decline in winter precipitation, while pre- and post-monsoon rainfall is expected to increase. Forest fire smoke, carrying black carbon particles, can reach the Himalayas, accelerating snow and glacier melt and threatening Asia’s water resources. Nepal experienced unprecedented forest fire activity during recent spring seasons, including 2021 and 2024, with occurrences ten times higher than the long-term average. These surges followed prolonged droughts beginning in November, post-monsoon. Our analysis, combining observational data, reanalysis, and climate models, highlights that climate variability and climate change-induced droughts are key drivers of these events. Projections indicate that drought conditions conducive to forest fires will become more frequent throughout the 21st century. To address these challenges, we propose an integrated framework for forest fire management, including early warning systems, community-based fire prevention programs, and climate-resilient land management strategies. These measures are essential for mitigating the compounded impacts of climate change on Nepal’s forests and water resources, safeguarding public health, and reducing vulnerability to future climate extremes.

ID: 3.10966

Finding a common ground in forest management amid climate change: A case study of transhumant herders and community forest users in Western Nepal

Binaya Pasakhala
Gentle, Popular; Shrestha, Ashok; Gurung, Janita; Timilsina, Ramesh; Koju, Upama Ashish

Abstract/Description

Transhumant herders in Nepal seasonally migrate at different altitudinal ranges to graze their animals- a local knowledge-based strategy to adapt to climatic conditions, fragile ecosystems, and remoteness. In summer, they migrate to pastures with sheep and goat at higher elevations, while move at lower elevations in winter. The herders are experiencing various impacts of climate change, infrastructure development and participatory forest governance. Multiple factors have led to conflicts with community forest user groups, who have excluded herders from accessing forests for grazing their animals. In this context, this study analyses how transhumance herding practice have evolved in the context of climate and socio-economic changes and their implications on forest governance in Nepal. The study was conducted in Bajhang district, focusing on transhumant herders of Saipal Rural Municipality. Using Google Earth, we mapped migration route of the herders and major three community forests were identified as key hotspots of conflicts with sedentary community. Data were collected through focus group discussions and interviews with herders and community forest user groups. Climate change has both positive and negative impacts on herding practice. For instance, their access to forest in winter have improved, while unpalatable invasive species have spread in summer pastures. With extension of roads and market, herders have shifted their focus from using animals for transporting goods to raising them for meat production. This shift has soured the once reciprocal relation between sedentary community and herders, now characterized by conflicts. The sedentary community forest user groups blamed herders for causing forest fire, killing wildlife and harvesting and damaging forest trees. Though herders deny these allegations, they accept adverse impacts of animals on forest soil and regeneration. Despite restrictions for grazing livestock in community forests, herders have been accessing forests by adopting different strategies, including bribing local leaders, paying the community forest user groups and forming partnership with local herders. An incentive-based mechanism, engaging herders, community forest users and other stakeholders, is essential to ensure sustainable flow of ecosystem services as well as fair and equitable access of the services to the users.

ID: 3.11736

Protecting Himalayan forests: A key tool for building resilient Himalayan communities

Abhishek Kumar
Rana, Sandhya

Abstract/Description

The Himalayan region is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to rare and threatened flora and fauna, including apex species such as the snow leopard and the brown bear. A significant portion of the Himalayan region is covered by forests, with around 70% of the Indian Himalayan states under forest cover. These forests range from subtropical pine forests to alpine zones, providing essential ecological services. However, in recent years, Himalayan forests have been facing increasing anthropogenic pressure due to rapid development activities such as road construction and urban expansion. Deforestation and land degradation have led to severe environmental consequences, including flash floods and landslides, posing a major threat to the communities residing in these fragile ecosystems. Additionally, rising summer temperatures have escalated the frequency and intensity of forest fires, further endangering the region’s ecological balance. Forests are a key element in protecting the mountains from various natural hazards. To build safer and more resilient Himalayan communities, a community-based conservation approach is essential. Forests serve as a primary source of fodder and food for local communities, making their sustainable management crucial for long-term livelihood security. Strengthening forest resilience against climate change through participatory conservation is necessary. Indigenous communities, such as the Pangawalas, have long played a vital role in forest conservation, actively preserving ecosystems and fostering resilience in the trans-Himalayan region. Their traditional knowledge and practices offer valuable insights into safeguarding these fragile landscapes for future generations.

ID: 3.13240

An in-depth analysis of meteorological conditions and air quality during major forest fire events in the northwestern himalayas

Bharati Paul Paul
Devaraj, Suresh

Abstract/Description

Elucidating the interplay of meteorological parameters including air temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation across the fire stages is imperative for assessing fire behaviour, burn severity and fire emissions. In this context, the study investigates the influence of pre-fire, during-fire and post-fire meteorological conditions on fire intensity, occurrence and emissions in the Northwestern Himalayan region of India, particularly Uttarakhand. To achieve this, ERA5 Land meteorological variables, MODIS and VIIRS fire data, Tropomi trace gas [NO2, O3, CO and SO2 and Aerosol Absorption Index (AAI)], MAIAC AOD data, from Jan to Jun 2024, are utilized to analyse the meteorology and air quality over the region. Furthermore, to assess the impact of burn severity on vegetation cover and fuel moisture level, indices such as NBR, dNBR, NDMI, dNDMI, NDVI and dNDVI are calculated for the fire stages. The analysis revealed various levels of burn severity, moisture changes, and vegetative health changes resulting from fire events. The dNBR values indicate high burn severity, concomitant with a loss of fuel moisture and a significant reduction in vegetation health across the region. Elevated AAI values (0.5 to 0.8) and AOD values (0.5 to 1.5) during active fire days underscore the presence of absorbing aerosols, including black carbon and dust particles, contributing to degraded air quality.

ID: 3.13279

Understanding Anthropogenic and environmental drivers of tree species diversity for improved biodiversity outcomes in Nepal’s community forests

Lila Nath Sharma
Karki, Rahul

Abstract/Description

Spatial variability in topography and anthropogenic disturbances influences the fine scale patterns of tree diversity in forests. The impact of human disturbances is even more pronounced in forests with high dependency of local people on the forest resources. Understanding how these environmental and anthropogenic drivers interact and influence tree richness and diversity is crucial to manage forest for both conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecosystem services to the local communities. Taking case of 6100 block of biodiversity rich community forest in Eastern Nepal, we evaluate spatial pattern of tree diversity in relation to human disturbance and local environmental covariates. We sampled a total of to 228 plots of 314 m2 each and measured tree species, invasive species cover, forest protection status, elevation, slope and human disturbances. We used a boosted regression tree (BRT) analysis to assess which predictor(s) drives the tree richness – calculated as number of tree species per plot – and ranked them based on their relative influence. A total of 116 tree species, possibly the highest record in a single forest in Nepal, were recorded in this study with an average tree richness of 4.21±0.22. Our best BRT model revealed that distance to boundary (51%), slope (21%) and elevation (18%) are most important predictors explaining altogether >90% of the variation in the tree richness. Tree diversity increased while moving from forest periphery to the center (core) of the forest. Spatial pattern of tree diversity in relation to environment and human disturbances clearly indicate that variable management strategy needs to be adopted to manage various parts of the forest to ensure biodiversity conservation and provision of ecosystem services in community forests.

ID: 3.13390

Status of Deforestation and Forest Degradation and Drivers thereof in Indo-Himalayan region

Trishla Shaktan
Rawat, Ranjeet Singh; Nautiyal, Raman

Abstract/Description

With the consequences of climate change (CC) becoming increasingly menacing, the need for effective approaches for its timely mitigation is crucial. The situation has worsened with increased carbon emissions due to continuous deforestation and forest degradation (D&FD). Forests are vulnerable to degradation as they provide several products like fuel-wood, fodder, etc. to the communities. Temperate forests in Indo-Himalayan region are particularly important to maintain the Himalayan eco-system that is crucial for climatic and water security of the plains of Northern India. The study aims to estimate baseline carbon stock of temperate forests of Indo-Himalayan region, status of D&FD using GIS and identifying the drivers of D&FD in the study area. Estimation of the overall carbon stock for the study area was found to be around 195.60 million tonnes. LULUCF and status of D&FD was studied using remote sensing and GIS. The study indicated a decrease in forest cover, water availability and snow cover and showed an increase in the agriculture and settlement areas reflecting degradation of the forest area. A detailed household survey and stakeholder workshop was executed to identify the drivers of D&FD and understanding the socio-economic status and dependency on forests. Analytical Hierarchical Programming was used to give weights to the drivers of D&FD. The main drivers identified were encroachment, developmental activities, illicit-felling, over-lopping and fuel-wood collection and forest fires. The solutions to combat D&FD are alternate and sustainable livelihood opportunities, unconventional energy sources and community involvement in combating forest fires.

FS 3.184: Innovative approaches and interdisciplinary perspectives. Investigating systemic risks and cascade hazards in mountain regions

FS 3.186: Methodologies and ethical considerations in international mountain research

#IMC: September 14 - 18 2025

FS 3.185

Himalayan Forests Under Stress

Details

Full Title

Scheduled

Location

Convener

Co-Conveners

Assigned to Synthesis Workshop

Thematic Focus

Keywords

Description

Submitted Abstracts

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

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Abstract/Description

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