National Conference on Forestry Solutions: Strategies for Mitigation and Adaptation of the Impacts of Climate Change in Western Himalayan Mountain States, at Shimla (Venue: Hotel Peterhof, State Guest House) from 19th to 21st November 2009
The Issue
During the recent past, weather patterns all over the world are changing and Himachal Pradesh is no exception. There is a clear indication of climate change having a direct impact on the vegetation, natural and cultivated, as also on the availability of water in the rivers and streams. At the same time, land which is not presently available for forestry (being under permanent snow cover) could gradually convert to grassland/forests.
Status
Himachal Pradesh provides unmatched contribution to ‘national interest’ in sustaining life support system, on the basis of which sustainable development can be realized downstream, in the plains of North India. Attention is shifting to environmental services flows provided by the forests. These include critical watershed services, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration and of course maintaining landscape beauty. The State has more than 50% of its land above 3000 meters from sea level. Although trees don’t grow above this altitude, the eco-system supports unique biodiversity. To conserve this exceptional bio-diversity, which include several globally threatened species, like the Snow Leopard, the Himalayan Ibex, etc., Himachal Pradesh has setup a network of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, covering approximately 14% of its geographic area jurisdiction.
Ecosystem services, human welfare and economic systems are intrinsically connected. Sustainable forest management, the new mantra, has emerged to meet societal concerns and tackle conservation and land-use issues, providing for multifunctional landscapes and looking to eco-regions rather than boundaries as the unit of analysis and management. It is a movement away from the conventional, commodity production orientation, towards a holistic, people-centered ecosystem-level approach. This shift has been necessary to address Himachal’s depleting drinking water, global warming and biodiversity losses. Sustainable forest management represents a new look at forests and forest management to meet two major commitments:
1. Protect and restore the forest ecosystem—improve biological diversity, enhance water supplies, make possible carbon sequestration, meet recreation needs and provide for the forest dependent communities through improved non-wood forest produce;
2. Encourage profitable enterprises, attracting the investor who sees sustainability as a viable economic venture.
Objective
The role of woody vegetation in sequestering carbon is well recognized. Research to study vegetation shifts in the forestry sector, to establish whether crop compositions are changing, or there is the effect of climate change on biodiversity are urgently needed in Himachal Pradesh. Such studies will ultimately help define policy on raising and maintenance of forests in the State. The possible mitigation forestry strategies that would evolve would be implemented to reduce GHG emissions and enhance carbon sinks in soils and forests. These would extend to finding proper energy solutions to a low-carbon energy economy, explore options to leap-frog to cleaner development paths and work towards enhancing de-carbonizing potential. Under adaptation, the issues that are in focus are the vulnerability of higher altitude forests in Himachal Pradesh and possible forest-type shifts occurring in more than 80% of forestry grids, likely increased forest fire occurrence and the anticipated water stress and scarcity that would come under water resource management.
With the above backdrop, HP Forest Department proposes to deliberate on the impact of climate change on the forests/vegetative cover of Western Indian hill states by involving various stakeholders including planners, implementers and beneficiaries to provide a road-map to devise relevant strategies for global warming and eco-services among mountain communities.
Host
HP Forest Department and various other co-sponsors
HP Forest Department committed to the need for comprehensive change as well as matching the aspirations of the people of Himachal Pradesh has come through clearly in its Vision, Mission and Value statement:
“The HPFD aims to be a committed organization of excellence in forestry, serving communities and the nation for harmony between people, environment, conservation and development. Working in partnerships, we manage and protect the unique Himalayan bio-diversity for the future. Creative and dynamic, we aspire to be the best forestry service.”
Forestry has become pluralistic, recognizing multiple use – multiple stakeholders and multiple values. The ‘Forest Sector Concept’ has been introduced encompassing the entire biophysical and environmental components comprising lands and biological resources (i.e. forests, watersheds, wetlands, wildlife, bio-diversity and habitats) and includes the stakeholders and institutions directly or indirectly dependent on or responsible for the management of these resources for livelihood security and sustenance. These include other sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, rural development and other institutions and organizations having interests and/ or dependence on the ‘Sector’ directly or indirectly (Source: Government of Himachal Pradesh Forest Sector Policy and Strategy 2005 Document).
Shimla, often referred to as the Queen of Hills for its magnificent scenic charm and surreal climate, was the summer capital of the British Raj from 1864 to 1947. Nestled in the North-Western Himalayas, at an altitude of 3000 metres above sea level, Shimla is currently, the capital of the Indian State of Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla is 117 kms by road from Chandigarh and 365 kms from New Delhi, the National Capital. Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge line connects Shimla to New Delhi and Chandigarh via Kalka. A domestic airport at Jubbarhatti, 23 km from Shimla, caters to air travel needs of the city. It receives regular flights (Kingfisher Airlines) from Chandigarh and New Delhi.
Venue
Peterhof is a magnificent and a historic structure in the heart of the City, at Chaura Maidan. The building housed seven Viceroys and Governor Generals of British India. The building complex later, became the Governor House when Himachal Pradesh attained statehood post independence. The historic building (renovated after being destroyed in fire) now serves as a luxurious heritage hotel, run by Himachal Tourism Development Corporation.
Convener:
Mr. Jasjit Singh Walia, IFS
Addl. Pr. CCF (CAT Plan and Eco-Services),
HP Forest Department,
Talland, Shimla - 171 001 (H.P.), India
Tel: (Office) +91 177 2626921
Email: jasjitw@gmail.com
For additional information please contact:
Communication Consultant
Dr. Vikas Dogra
Tel: (Mobile) +91 94180 33126
Email: vikasdogra77@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The views/information on this website are solely of the Conference organisers. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department or the Government of Himachal Pradesh will not be responsible in any manner for any inconsistencies.
The Conference is
supported by
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