Future Sustainability Challenges in Hindu Kush-Himalaya - Impact of Global Changes on Mountains: Responses and Adaptation - page 256

(Armstrong 2010). Data and information is sparse and lack consistency,
multi-temporal recording and fi eld validation (Cogley 2011, Kargel et al.
2010) (Fig. 22). The region has been known as a “white spot”, a term used
in the IPCC 2007 report to refer to an area for which there is “little or no
data”. This has also constrained in-depth investigation of vulnerability and
adaptation to climate change, which has become central to climate science
and policy (Stigter and Winarto 2012). Additionally, available data is not
always accessible, especially on transboundary water sharing, often for the
reason “that concern politics and diplomacy rather than science” (Nature
2011). Hence, there is a need for greatly increased long-term monitoring for
reliable and consistent time-series data for integrated research to understand
highland complexities through cross-boundary scientifi c collaboration
promoting regional cooperation, and present policy options based on best
scientifi c understanding (UNEP 2012a).
China-India Cooperation for Sake of Regional Sustainability
China and India's economic, demographic development, urbanization and
industrialization will play a dominant role in shaping the environmental
outcomes in the region. While much of the world is facing an economic
downturn, China and India in 2009 were projected to achieve high Gross
Domestic Product growth (China, 8.4%; India, 6.2%) (Bawa et al. 2010).
Import of raw materials from other countries, consumption of natural
resources will signifi cantly determine future environmental, social and
economic outcomes. Cooperation between two countries can signifi cantly
and positively infl uence environmental problems in the region, such as,
biodiversity loss, climate change and deforestation. For example, the
creation of peace parks in alpine zones where armies have been deployed
is an ideal for conservation of transboundary protected areas (Bawa et al.
2010). Their cooperation would infl uence their neighboring countries in
addressing their environmental problems.
Promoting green economy in HKH region
A green economy concept may prevent the water insecurity situation
in HKH region by reducing water and food waste through increased
effi ciency. For example: providing alternatives to cereal in animal feed,
recycling waste, boosting of small-scale famer productivity and generating
small-scale business opportunities, investments in green, small-scale
technology and development (ICIMOD 2009). In the HKH, micro hydro,
biogas, community-based natural resources management (community
forestry, integrated conservation and development projects), eco-tourism,
watershed management are some good practices and success stories that