Need for Himalayan Ecosystem Study Groups

The Himalaya is a very large and globally important ecosystem which India and its neighboring countries share. With it's unique geology, natural history, flora, fauna, rivers, glaciers, other ecosystems and habitats, and a mosaic of man-nature relationships, Himalaya is part of India's unique ecological heritage. In other words, conservation of Himalayas should be important to all Indians, not just those residing near it, or the various government departments. 

In view of this, I would like to suggest that there should be Himalayan Ecosystem Study and Conservation Groups in all major Indian cities and they should serve as magnets for researchers, enthusiasts, and students in those states. 

 These groups should be incubated/hosted by existing NGOs or like-minded people doing research in ecology and man-nature relationship. They should serve as a platform to present and share knowledge, debate important questions, seek policy formulation, and generally track the health of the Himalayan ecosystem in a scientific way. They should also build bridges with experts, NGOs and communities who actually reside closer to the Himalayas. There should be regular exchange of ideas and information with these stakeholders. 

 Climate change and rapid land use change has put in danger the Himalayan ecosystem as we have understood for decades. If the larger Indian population owns and cares about Himalayas as a natural heritage to be preserved, it will provide more impetus to the efforts of the locals who are already working on this cause.

Those interested in working in such a group in Pune should contact the author at yp1227@gmail.com 

 - Yogesh M Pathak 

yp1227@gmail.com