WS 3.100: Action Research for Mountain Sustainability and Empowering Mountain Communities

The Central Himalayan mountain (CHM) is spread over 53,483 sq. km. and are susceptible to the impacts of natural perturbations such as natural disaster, climate change as other parts of IHR, HKH and elsewhere. The CHM is home of 10.1 million people and the communities living in the rural landscape are economically weak and marginalized. The region occupy 35,394 sq. km. forest area which constitutes 64.8% of its total geographical area.
This action research project aims to promote sustainable development in the Central Himalayan Region (Uttarakhand) through an ecosystem approach. The study focuses on empowering local communities to manage natural resources effectively, conserve biodiversity, and adapt to climate change. Using a participatory research design, we engage stakeholders in identifying key ecosystem services, assessing conservation challenges, and developing sustainable livelihood strategies.