Started 2010, ‘Climate Himalaya’ initiative has become one important reference for governments, research institutions, civil society groups and international agencies having work and interest in the Himalayas. With thematic areas like mountain ecosystem, water, forest and livelihood, the Climate Himalaya team innovates on knowledge sharing, capacity building and climatic adaptation in its focus countries of Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan.
Fostering Knowledge, Innovation and Climate Change adaptation in Himalayan region
Recognizing the climatic changes and their impacts in Himalayan Mountains, a group of people and organizations proposed a collaborative initiative called ‘Climate Himalaya’. The initiative focuses on Climatic Adaptation in Himalayan region through-Awareness Generation, Knowledge Networking and Capacity Building by covering thematic areas of Mountain Ecosystems, Water, Forest and Livelihood. At present this initiative focuses on knowledge networking and outreach activities in 4 South Asian countries of Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
Background
Unlike in other parts of the world, the Himalayan Mountains remained neglected in many ways. A number of reports revealed that the region is already in the state of crisis, while climatic 
vulnerability and extremes are steadily taking toll in terms of ecosystem dysfunction, biodiversity losses, looming livelihood opportunities and high migration.
Here, the effective role of various governments and leading inter government and research institutions is an area of concern, as a number of coalitions, regional cooperation and initiatives are working in project mode leading to unsustainable outcomes.
The research done in an uncoordinated manner, is often not shared effectively in Himalayan region. There is a knowledge gap and lack of understanding on various climatic issues, while, no adequate shared understanding and action plan in place for the regional problems as a whole, and no map of potential risks. It has also been observed that there is missing and disconnected leadership among various stakeholders in Himalayas. The finances are involved but the results are deficient in making a difference due to inadequate planning, poor quality and outreach actions.
Our Take: Who Funds our will!
We don’t always require a project funds to set examples, spread ideas and make things happen! On this premise we launched Climate Himalaya on 5 June 2010, and in last one year we succeeded in raising voice on various mountain and climate change issues through our knowledge networking, knowledge sharing and partnership building actions. We could see that our voice has made substantial difference in advocating various important policy aspects on knowledge management and institutional networking.
Our Vision
To serve as a link between practice, science, policy and decision making towards climate change and sustainable mountain development.
Our Mission
To work on knowledge, innovation and adaptation related aspects in Himalayan region.
Scope of Work
Countries of Work: India, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan (initially) China and Bangladesh (in future) through partner’s and various stakeholder’s involvement.
Thematic Areas: Mountain Ecosystem, Water, Forest and Livelihood
Focal Actions: Awareness generation, Knowledge networking, Capacity building and Research.
Ongoing Actions: The ongoing efforts center around awareness generation, networking for knowledge sharing, forging new partnerships and outreach activities. At this end our knowledge platform has over 3000 articles (Oct 2011), 200 downloadable publications from various sources, author’s columns on various climate change issues from Himalayan region and around the world. We also send a regular news letter on daily and weekly basis to our members.
Our Network
There is a huge interest shown by people and organizations worldwide. Some of our knowledge and field partners include: Aaranyak, Beej Bachao Aandolan (BBA), Prakriti-Environment group, Central Himalayan Environment Association (CHEA), Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN), weADAPT, Nairobi Work Programme of UNFCCC, Forest Carbon Asia (FCA), etc . There are over 700 individual members of the initiative, ever growing as you read this. Read More>>
Support
In last one year, neither we sought, nor we felt the need of external financial support to implement, develop and expand our actions. All the activities were carried out through the financial support of our volunteers, while we got travel support from the organizers of various events wherever we participated.
We also vouch upon and highly thankful for the voluntary support provided by our honorary contributors those are consistently writing at our Youth Speak, Expert Speak and Guest Speak columns .
Future Support
To support our future programme, we are looking for long term partnership with agencies to run Climate Himalaya secretariat, Implement our innovative programmes, hold capacity building programme in Himalayan region, to expand knowledge network & sharing platform, to hold the workshops, meetings or seminars, to develop a compendium of showcases (in our M-20 Campaign), to develop or send communication material to grass root organizations, among others. Agencies can also support one component at a time.
Contact
Climate Himalaya, O/o Prakriti group, P.O. Silli Agastyamuni, District-Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
INDIA PIN 246 421 e: info@chimalaya.org web: www.chimalaya.org
Tel: | 91-7607481242 | 91-9897663711 | 91-9719137208 |
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