Connecting People and Ecosystems in the Indian Himalayas

Balkila River, Uttarakhand, India

Balkila River, Uttarakhand, India

Photo: Vipul Sharma

IUCN, with support from Nokia, aims to demonstrate traditional and innovation options to enhance livelihoods, water resources management, climate change resilience and ecosystem restoration in Balkila watershed, Uttarakhand, India

 The Himalayan ecosystem in India is facing strong anthropogenic and developmental pressures including deforestation, land use change and degradation of natural resources. Perhaps hte most palpable indicator of this degradation can be seen in the water regimes of hte indian Himalayan Region (IHR). There is widespread concern that this situation will intensify in the years to come. In the face of such changes, it is imperative that natural resources and water resources particular are managed sustainably and the resilience of local populations and ecosystems is assessed and enhanced. 

The project, Connecting People and Ecosystems in the indian Himalayas, aims to enhance the effectiveness of better water management practices by exploring the options for ecosystem restoration and capacity building as tools for improving watershed management. 

The major activities of the projcet include:

  1. Rehabilitation of springs and water mills 
  2. Effective community planning towards the development of a sound knowledge base and improved local governance mechanisms
  3. Development of nurseries for indigenous floral species as a means of preserving this species and as an alternate livelihood option for women
  4. Integration of energy, food and water for securing livelihoods, maintaining natural diversity and promoting high carbon landscapes through watershed protection 
  5. Demonstration of improves livelihoods to reduce vulnerability and increase the resilience of local populations 

Connecting People and Ecosystems in the Indian Himalayas is being implemented in Balkila watershed by the IUCN India Country Office, New Delhi, and is managed by the IUCN Asia Regional Office, Bangkok and IUCN Headquarters, Gland. The project will run for 2 years and is supported by Nokia Finland. 

Contact us

Mr. Vipul Sharma 
IUCN India Country Office
20, Anand Lok, New Delhi 110 049 India
Tel: +91 11 2625 7742; 4605 2583


Connecting People and Ecosystems in the Indian Himalayas factsheet