Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Strengthening Regional Cooperation of ICIMOD

Several initiatives has been taken by the  Government of India for sustainable development of the Himalayan region and also strengthening the regional collaboration with organizations particularly the ICIMOD. India has played an active role in activities and programmes of ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development).
           ICIMOD’s long policy objectives, integrated programmes and action initiatives are in coherence with the national objectives of overall sustainable development of fragile and vulnerable hill region. The integrated programmes are related to natural resource management (NRM) , Agriculture and rural income distribution (ARID), Water hazards and Environmental Management (WHEM), Culture, Equity , Gender and Governance (CEGG), Policy & Partnership Development (PPD), Information & Knowledge Management (IKM).
           During the course its Medium  Term Action Plan (MTAP) for the period 2003 to 2007, ICIMOD has worked with  more than 37 partners in our country in a number of projects  in the field of forestry, watershed management, flood control , water management, biodiversity, beekeeping, sustainable technologies in the field of agriculture and soil conservation, and training & advocacy. The partners represent and immense heterogeneity, ranging from G.B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, North – Eastern Council and North-Eastern Hill University, to Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and NGO’s like Navrachna, Palampur and Grassroots options, Shillong. The medium term action plan II (2008-2012) of ICIMOD has identified 3 thematic 3 thematic thrust areas; Integrated Water & Hazards Management, Environmental Change and Ecosystem Services, and Sustainable livelihoods and Poverty Reduction. These programmes are subdivided into 9 Action Areas of cooperation level with regional partners.
           Considering the fragility and importance of the Himalaya a National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) has been included in the eight National Missions of National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with the objectives of conserving and protecting Himalayan glaciers and its ecosystem. It is the only area specific action areas under the NMSHE is improving trans-boundary exchange of information through mutually agreed mechanisms. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has also made a beginning through trans-boundary transect (landscape) based approach to address critical issues related to Himalayan ecosystem. One such project on Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL) has been launched recently.
           The ICIOM and the GBPIHED has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sept 25, 2008 with the approval of GOI to increase the potential for mutually beneficial research work, enable efficient co-ordination and ensure the sustainability of partnership between the ICIMOD and the GOI. The other important Consideration for this MOU is that both the ICIMOD and the GBPIHED, will be able to appreciate each other’s comparative advantages and collaborate to achieve the environmentally sustainable development in the Indian Himalayan region through establishing a mutually agreed mechanism of experience sharing on similar aspects in other parts of the Himalayan region, including other member countries. Considering this , the GBPIHED has established an ICIMOD Cell in the Institute effective implementation of the activities of ICIMOD in India as a Key Partner and a focal Point of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

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