The Uttarakhand Space Application Centre (USAC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora for studying the impact of Himalayan forest conservation and climatic changes on the mountain ecology. With the signing of the MoU by USAC director VK Dhaundiyal and GBPIHED director Dr PP Dhyani, both the institutions will undertake joint studies for conservation of forests in the Himalayas. This MoU is part of the joint effort involving India, Nepal and China as part of which work is being undertaken for conservation of bio diversity in the Kailash Mansarovar landscape, said officials of USAC. The target of managing and developing ecological mechanism with the cooperated of the public has been included in this joint effort.
According to the USAC director VK Dhaundiyal and GBPIHED senior scientist Dr RS Rawal, the joint research project will focus on Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts. As part of this research, both the institutions will undertake detailed study of the forests, water sources and Bugyals (high altitude alpine meadows) of the Himalayan region. The impact of global climatic changes on livelihoods in the region will also be studied as part of this joint research project, they informed. On the occasion of signing of the MoU, officials also informed that as and when needed, both the institutions will also be sharing technical knowledge, undertake joint research for livelihood improvement, exchange their human resource and utilise the other institutional facilities as and when required. Senior officials and scientists of USAC and GBPIHED were also present on the occasion.