There are set of local, national and regional agencies and institutions (actors) working upon various aspects of mountain development. Majority of the actions are targeted towards the security of human populace and environmental condition in Himalayas.
During our interaction with various stakeholders in Himalayan region we asked about their views upon the role of such organizations and institutions in the overall socio-economic and environment development, the opinions didn’t match with the financing trend and claimed achievements.
They were more skewed towards sustaining institutions or personal welfare. This trend can’t be said good, when the people in most of the South Asian countries are voicing for a fair and just governance system at each level, starting from country to local governments.
Therefore, it would be more appropriate that the national and international agencies financing any project or program in the region are more concerned about the outcomes of their funds through an appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanism, so that the targeted communities are benefited from such efforts in real sense.
For example in an agriculture based research project while submitting the project to a government or donor, it clearly reflects that a particular community or group will be benefited, while, at the completion of the project the research findings or knowledge is not shared appropriately with the targeted communities, but, the ultimate focus become a national or international conferences or symposium, that adds to a staff promotion chance.
