About 200 regional and global experts are expected to attend a symposium on transforming mountain forestry at the Forest Research Institute in collaboration with International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) from January 18 to 22.According to the organisers, the symposium is aimed at bridging trans-boundary challenges with 21st century paradigms for the welfare of mountain people and environment in the Himalayan region.
The symposium will provide a forum for over 200 regional and global experts, including cross sector policymakers, scientists, practitioners, donors, market actors, legal experts, forestry professionals and representatives from the business and civil society.The symposium is important for defining a roadmap to meet the challenges and outline options for sustainable management practices and policies that address changing socio economic and environmental conditions in the Himalayas, besides, identifying trans-boundary opportunities to meet climatic and contemporary challenges as well as address conservation and inclusive development.
Forests cover about 32 per cent of the Indian Himalayan region and provide an invaluable range of ecosystem services, including clean water, air and carbon sequestration, besides, providing for livelihood and sustenance needs of millions of people. These ecosystems also sustain mountain agriculture and ensure food, water and energy security.