International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development Kathmandu, Nepal Sustaining mountain communities in the Hindu Kush Himalaya: A tough trial in Kailash Sacred Landscape Rajan Kotru, Nawraj Pradhan, Rucha Ghate

Outline Transboundary Landscapes Programme (TBL) Kailash Programme as the Anchor Local to Landscape approach planning Conservation and Development Institutions & Mountain Communities Take home messages

Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)

ICIMOD’s HKH Transects Transboundary Landscape Initiatives Transects: Ecoregions, Corridor Connectivity, North-South Climate Gradient, Arid to tropical climate scenarios, Unique Cultures/traditions Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL) Sacred landscape with unique biodiversity and culture Karakoram- Pamir Landscape (KPL) + Wakhan High Alpine arid endangered species Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL) Corridors and Connectivity Brahmaputra- Salween Landscape (BSL) Biodiversity Hotspots and Endemism Common Focus: Conservation, Development and Applied Research

Programme Rationale Critical data deficit in the Hindu Kush Himalayans Unique opportunity for an integrated approach Understanding of ecosystem functions and processes Institutional framework Landscape approach National plans addressing Transboundary cooperation and landscapes

Emerging Regional Significance National Action Plans for Climate Change including that of India and Biodiversity Conservation focus favor transboundary cooperation China’s Strategies and Action Plans for Biodiversity Conservation ( ) stresses enhancement bilateral or multilateral cooperation with neighboring conservation agencies Several pioneering transboundary initiatives being tested at the grassroots given natural resource governance issues

Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL) China – India - Nepal Scientific data gaps Fragile ecosystems Vulnerable communities Transboundary landscape

Innovative Livelihood Options and Adaptation - Value Chains, adaptation, heritage tourism Ecosystem Management for Sustaining Services -Management Plans, Valuation, institutions Access and Benefit Sharing from Bio-resources -Biodiversity &Traditional Knowledge documentation, awareness, gaps in ABS Long Term Conservation & Monitoring -Monitoring systems: climate change, Land use change, water systems, ecosystem Functions, biodiversity etc. Regional Cooperation, Policies, Knowledge Management & Communication -Joint bio-corridors, biotrade, Other landscapes, knowledge Forums, UNESCO- Heritage Site KSLCDI Programme Components

Donors Programme Implementation Outcomes Feedback mechanism / Adaptive Management ICIMOD National Nodal Ministries National Partner Institutions National & State Level Research Institutions State Governments District / Prefecture Line Agencies Forest, Rural Development, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Tourism, Water, Health National Coordination Committee Civil Society Organizations Local Community Institutions Autonomous Councils / BMCs Self Help Groups/ Forestry Groups Programme Steering Committee Programme Management Unit PROGRAM COMPONENTSPROGRAM COMPONENTS Format: Schematic Institutional Coordination Flow Chart Advisory Committee RegionalRegional CountryLevelsCountryLevels

Conservation and development issues are addressed in an integrated manner that support ecosystem integrity and resilience; Collaborative action, research and learning enables multiple change monitoring at landscape level; Implementing PNRM strengthens existing institutional mechanisms leading to learning and improvement in policy and sustainability aspects. Framework for NRM?

Challenges in the KSL-Nepal at pilot level Traditional NRM practices; Pressure on rangelands (resource extraction – yarshagumba – cordyceps sinensis ) Subsistence livelihood; Out-migration Relatively short working season Pressure on rural economy (markets) Human resources and short annual working season Institutionalizing sustainability aspects

Strategic focus in Api Nampa Conservation Areas (Nepal) Forest conservation and management Mobilization of GO/NGO/community Establishment and mobilization (local) Tourism, Markets; Infrastructure and Development

Planning at Local Level (Participatory Natural Resource Management Plan)

Reaching Landscape Institutional Arrangement Village Development Committee (Nepal) /Van Panchayat (India) Interface of cluster of CBOs/VDC at District level Interface of PNRM at Landscape level to plan Conservation and Development at Landscape level (e.g. ANCA) Convergence of interventions and investments as per local communities demands and while matching with District/local existing plans Transboundary issues and matching these at two country level e.g. Askot-ANCA

Conservation and Development Planning and Implementation Strategy Institutional set up and working modality Partnership Approach Prioritization of PNRM Activities Capacity Building as an Integral Program Component Local governance and Implementation

India Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (Management Plan with Transboundary Context) India Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (Management Plan with Transboundary Context) Nepal Api Nampa Conservation Area (Management Plan with Transboundary Context) Nepal Api Nampa Conservation Area (Management Plan with Transboundary Context) Transboundary Trade on MAP’s and biocorridors Community to Community trade exchange (policy frameworks not in place; support existing local level mechanism) Transboundary Trade on MAP’s and biocorridors Community to Community trade exchange (policy frameworks not in place; support existing local level mechanism) Institutional Mechanism - Sustainable Plans & Guidelines -Informed NRM Governance bodies (capacity building and knowledge development) -Strengthened existing systems (no parallel systems) Institutional Mechanism - Sustainable Plans & Guidelines -Informed NRM Governance bodies (capacity building and knowledge development) -Strengthened existing systems (no parallel systems) Snapshot Activity: Avenues for transboundary interfaces

Primary Stakeholders Country Governments and their agencies -e.g. focal points Transboundary local communities and institutions e.g. local piloting community Global forums e.g. CBD Donors e.g. stimulating innovations

Prime principles of transboundary cooperation EQUITY, because it leads to RESPECT for the added value each country brings; TRANSPARENCY because it leads to TRUST with countries willing to innovate more and take risks; and MUTUAL BENEFIT because it leads to ENGAGEMENT which is more likely to sustain and build the relationship over time to address non-climatic and climatic issues.

Take home messages

Thank you We need right ideas, right team, at the right place and at the right time to trigger innovations for tectonic shifts and impacts …… Transboundary Landscapes Team ICIMOD … and to the Centre of the Universe