Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
to provide the basis for informed decision making, risk and vulnerability
mapping, adaptation and mitigation strategies and effective biodiversity
conservation and management. ICIMOD, being an intergovernmental
regional center, is working in the eight countries of the HKH and has
been active in facilitating its regional member countries through various
conservation and development approaches. The 'HKH Trans-Himalayan
Transect', an approach to address the information gaps across the HKH, was
conceptualized and discussed among global and regional stakeholders in
2008 (Chettri et al. 2009). Four 'transects' have been proposed considering
representation from west to east, dry to wet and the south to north latitudinal
expanse of the HKH region (Fig. 9.1). As indicated above, additionally, seven
Transboundary Landscapes provide an initial opportunity for piloting of
the concept and activities including a range of environmental monitoring
and the initiation of long-term ecological and environmental research. The
geographically defi ned 'transects' allow for co-locating research, monitoring
and sampling sites, in-depth studies, and action research projects across
the region, and for both comparative research and synergistic effi ciencies.
ICIMOD envisaged playing a facilitating role amongst the regional,
national and local partners, and the global research community and other
stakeholders through participatory and consultative processes encouraging
regional cooperation and national ownership. On an experimental basis
ICIMOD has initiated a number of pilot programs (Box 9.1).
Box 9.1.
The Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation Initiative (KSLCI).
Piloting the concept, ICIMOD has been engaged in partnership with UNEP, GTZ, and
member countries in the Kailash Sacred Landscape. This transboundary landscape
includes an area of the remote southwestern portion of the Tibetan Autonomous Region
of China, and adjacent parts of northwestern Nepal, and northern India, and is comprised
of a broad array of bioclimatic zones, rich natural and cultural resources, and a wide
range of forest types. The initiative engages regional, national and local stakeholders
in a consultative process for facilitation of transboundary, integrated approaches to
sustainable development and conservation. Ecosystem management is promoted through
the Regional Cooperation Framework development process, based upon a Conservation
Strategy, supported by a Comprehensive Environmental Monitoring Plan, to address
threats to the environmental and cultural integrity of this area, analyze change processes,
and to develop a knowledge base upon which to build regional cooperation.
Zomer et al. 2010.
Valuation and rewarding ecosystem service providers
Humans benefit from biodiversity rich areas with the provision of
ecological services such as climate regulation, soil formation and nutrient
cycling; and from the direct harvest of biodiversity for food, fuel, fi bers
Search WWH ::
Custom Search