Biodiversity holds the future for Himalayan people

“Medicinal plants for the future sustainability of Himalayan people”

Globally, Medicinal plants have been used in various systems of medicine for curing range of diseases and aliments since time immemorial. World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that approximately 80% of the world population still depend on herbal medicine for for their primary health care needs. WHO assessed that around 21,000 plants having the medicinal potential around the world. Age old Indian Vedas and Puranas such as Rigveda, Atharveda, Ramanaya, Mahabharata, Charak Samhita, Susshruta Samhita highlights the usefulness of medicinal plants. As per National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) assessment more than 7000 species are estimated to have medicinal usage in folk and traditional medicine health care in the country. Whereas, about 2,700 plants species are reported to be used in the codified Indian Systems of Medicine viz. Ayurveda (1800 species), Siddha (500 species), Unani (400 species) and Amchi (300 species).Medicinal plants are not only provide the primary healthcare needs of thousands of dependant populace but also support the livelihood of many indigenous communities. In India, about 1178 species of medicinal plants are estimated to be in trade of which 242 species have annual consumption levels in excess of 100 metric tons/year. The domestic demand of medicinal plants has been estimated 1.95 lakh MT for the year of 2014-2015 and export demand of medicinal plants has been estimated 1.34 lakh MT during 2014-2015. However, more than 90% of the species used in trade continue to be collected from the wild, and nearly 66% are being gathered through destructive and un-sustainable way to full fil the demand of the herbal industries. This has brought several plants at the verge of extinction. The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is the major repository of medicinal plants. The region as a whole support nearly 50% of the total flowering plants in India, of which 30% are endemic to the region. A review of existing biodiversity information of IHR reveals that there are approximately 18,440 plant species of which 1748 are medicinal plants, 675 wild edibles, 279 fodder species, 155 sacred plants and 118 essential oil plants with medicinal values.

 

Himachal Pradesh is a biodiversity rich Himalayan state of IHR, it is popularly known as the Devbhumi "Land of the Gods". The landscape of state is characterized by snow capped mountain, lush green forest, rich biological resource, diverse agroclimatic zones, mesmerising horticulture orchards and culturally diverse populace.  It was adobe of the various rishis, munies and scholars, who studied the medicinal plants of the region. Around 800 species are estimated to be used for some or the other medicinal purposes within and outside the State. Medicinal plants are being used by indigenous communities of the state for their primary health care needs. Traditional wisdom of community on medicinal plants play key role in the treat various diseases particularly in the rural areas of the state.  Where the primary heath care services are not properly available. Medicinal plants sector has been identified and prioritized by the state government for boosting the economy of the state. It will not only provide livelihood opportunities to people of the state but also generate ample amount of employment option particularly for the younger generation. The forest dependant indigenous communities of the state have several rights over forest such as collection of non timber forest proudcts (NTFP) including medicinal plants from the wild. These rights are known as bartan and holders of these rights are called bartandars. However, unsustainable extraction of medicinal plants from the wild, diverse anthropogenic interventions, disinterest of traditional indigenous knowledge etc. are the main reasons for the depletion of medicinal plant resources and associated knowledge in the state.

In Himalayan region particularly in Himachal Pradesh several farmers have adopted the  medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation as livelihood option. Mr. Jahan Singh is one of the farmer of Shangarh village of Sainj valley, cultivating Kutki/Kadu (Picrorhiza kurroa) in 3 acre land. Similarly, Mr. Dheeraj Sharma of Suppa village of Chamba district is cultivating Picrorhiza kurroa, Aconitum heterophyllum , Bergenia ciliate, Cinnamomum tamala^,, Valeriana jatamansi^,, Angelica glauca, Podophyllum hexandrum etc. medicinal plants . Mr. Trithaj Raj Thakur of Solangnalla village of Manali has also started cultivation of Picrorhiza kurroa and Aconitum heterophyllum. ​Himachal Regional Centre of the institute is supporting such medicinal plants cultivators and promoting other farmers for cultivation of medicinal plants. These interventions will not only help to increase the farmers income but at the same time organic medicinal plants cultivation will reduce the pressure on wild genetic resource of the such threatened medicinal plants in IHR (Photo 1 & 2).

 

Presently, the entire world is facing the Pandemic COVID 19 problem, under this global health emergency situation, Govt. of India is hopeful that the Indian traditional medicinal system will provide the solutions to overcome COVID 19 Pandemics. Therefore, Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India is planning to start the clinical trails of four traditional medicines to treat coronavirus infection. The selected herbal medicines are Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Yashtimadhu or Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Guduchi Pippali or Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) and AYUSH-64. These medicines were invented for the treatment of malaria. AYUSH-64 is developed with the composition of Picrorhiza kurroa, Swertia Chirayita, Alstonia scholaris, Caesalpinia Crista species. Most of the selected herbal species are only occur in the Himalayan region, these herbs are immunomodulators, therefore, they may play key role for curing this life threatening infectious disease.  

 

Excessive extraction of high value medicinal plants from wild has depleted the wild stock of such species. Therefore, cultivation is the only way to conservation of genetic stock of such valuable species. In addition to this, documentation of medicinal plant diversity, assessment of bio-chemical and genetic variability, value chain development, standardization of agro-techniques and propagation protocols, strengthening of medicinal plant trade and enterprises, capacity building of stakeholders and legal reforms are urgently required for the holistic development of the medicinal plant sector in the Himalayan region. The article concludes that the medicinal plant sector would be a potential vehicle for the future sustainability of Himalayan people.

Non timber forest products (NTFP) for sustainable socio-economic development of community

The non timber forest products (NTFP), generally termed non-wood forest products (NWFP) or minor forest produce (MFP) are defined as “forest products consisting of goods of biological origin other than wood, derived from forest, other wood land and trees outside forests”¹. These include bamboo and canes, fodder, leaves, gums, waxes, dyes, resins and many forms of edible products including nuts, wild fruits, honey, etc. In India,  NTFP has been defined legally under ‘Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006’ popularly known as Forest Rights Act (FRA) under the heading minor forest produce (MFP) [Section 2 (1) of the act]². NTFP sector is one of India’s largest unorganized sectors having a dependent population of about 275 million and business turnover of more than Rs.6000 crores per annum. However, this sector has unfortunately been neglected since the pre-independence period. NTFP contributes to about 20% to 40% of the annual income of forest dwellers who are mostly disadvantageous and landless communities with a dominant population of tribals³.

                        

                                     Arundia graminiofolia (Bamboo orchid)

                       

                                                      Bamboo plant 

                         

                                                 Toko plant (Livistona jenkinsiana)

                                                Important NTFP product of the state

Arunachal Pradesh, often referred to as the ‘land of the dawn-lit mountains’, is geographically the largest state in Northeast India. The state is uniquely situated in the transition zone between the Himalayan and Indo-Burmese regions, being recognized as one of the 18 biodiversity hotspots of the world⁴.The state covers a geographical area of 83,743 km² which constitutes 2.54 % of the total area of the country, 15.76% of the Indian Himalayan region and 43.62% of the Himalayan Biodiversity Hot Spot⁵.  It is known as cradle of all flowering plants, containing nearly 50% of the total flowering plant species (about 5000 spp. of angiosperm) in India⁶. Arunachal Pradesh is endowed with wide variety of NTFP comprising about 73 species of bamboos, 18 species of canes, about 570 species of orchids, about 450 species of medicinal and aromatic plants, toko plant (Livistona jenkinsiana) etc.⁷ 

The recorded forest cover of the state is 67,410 km², which constitutes 80.50% geographical area of the state. The bamboo bearing area in the forests of the state is 16, 083 sq. km (31% area of total recorded forest area of state)⁸. The 26 major tribes and 110 sub-tribes of state live in close association with forests and highly dependent on numerous NTFPs for subsistence of their livelihoods. However, due to change in socio-economic and cultural dynamics, population increase and expansion of developmental process, the pressure on available biological and forest resources has increased in recent past. Shifting or jhum cultivation is being practiced by most of the tribal communities since time immemorial in the state. At present, shortening of jhum cycle (fallow period) and deforestation have been major reasons of depletion of rich biodiversity. As per the report of India State of Forest 2011 Assessment, there is total decrease of 7400 ha of forests as compared to 2009, which includes 500 ha of highly dense forests and 5500 ha of moderately dense forest. Jhum cultivation continues to be the main stay of sustenance for a vast majority of the tribal communities due to non-availability of alternative livelihood opportunities. Therefore, to minimize the dependence of local people on jhum cultivation, sustainable use of NTFPs can play vital role in poverty alleviation by creating large scale employment opportunity, empowerment of the forest dwellers and tribal communities coupled with environment protection in state. NTFPs would also reduce the pressure on forests there by conserving the native biodiversity and also reducing the ill impact of climate change. As per Arunachal Pradesh State Action Plan on Climate Change (APSPCC), the biodiversity rich districts of Arunachal Pradesh are projected to be adversely impacted by climate change by 2030s⁹. Climate change (change in temperature and rainfall pattern) will not only threaten the NTFP production both qualitatively and quantitatively, but will also affect the dependent economy of the indigenous people of the state. NTFPs can directly contribute to carbon sequestration.

Government of Arunachal Pradesh has identified the NTFP as one of the important sectors to boost the socio-economic development of the state. There is therefore an urgent need to strengthen and develop NTFP sector through development of sustainable production and harvesting protocols, availability of better marketing opportunity and system, regulation of supply and demand, value addition of the NTFPs, formulation of comprehensive NTFP policy in the state, local entrepreneurship development, improvement of infrastructure facilities, and strengthening of R&D institutions. Exhaustive R&D studies are essentially required to assess the baseline status of NTFP; inventorization & prioritization of NTFP; to identify issues and challenges in production, regeneration, utilization, over-exploitation and marketing; documentation of indigenous knowledge and climate change impact on NTFP. Capacity building and knowledge enhancement of stake holders through education and awareness program, imparting training on production and sustainable harvesting and marketing on NTFP will also empower the tribal community and strengthen the NTFP sector in the state.

Reference

1. FAO, Towards a harmonized definition of NWFPs. Unasylva, 1999. 50: 63–64.

2. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

3. Rawat, R. V. S., et al., Report of the Sub-group II on NTFP and their sustainable management in the 12^th Five Year Plan, Submitted under Planning Commissions Working group on Forests and Natural Resource Management, 2011.

4. Mayers, N., Environmentalist, 1990, 10, 243–256.

5. Samal, P.K. et al., Biodiversity conservation through community based natural resource management: An approach. G.B.Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Almora, Uttarakahnd, India, 2013. 

6. Chowdhery, H.J., Arunachal Pradesh –The Cradle of Flowering Plants. In Rawat, G.S. (Ed.). 2008. Special Habitats and Threatened Plants of India. ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife and Protected Areas, Vol. 11(1). Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, India, 2008.

7. Bhuyan, L.R. et al., Non timber forest products of    Arunachal  Pradesh-scope, prospects and problems. Bulletin of Arunachal Forest Research. 2010, 27: 47-53.

8. Anon., State Forest Report, Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, Ministry of Environment and Forest. Govt. of India, 2011.

9. Anon., Arunachal Pradesh State Action Plan on Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 2011.

Community Based Birdwatching Ecotourism

Birdwatching tourism or avitourism is a form of nature based ecotourism that deals to travel and tourism for observing and identifying birds in their natural habitats. It is one of the fastest growing outdoor activity around the world and particularly gaining popularity in developing countries. Birdwatchers are mostly conservation-minded responsible ecotourists, respect wildlife and natural habitats and have above average incomes¹. As per economic assessment study the annual economic value of bird watching tourism industry in United States is around $107 billion and United Kingdom birdwatching expenditures are estimated at $500 million per year. Birdwatching tourism opens potential remote areas for birdwatchers and also provides economic motivation to local community for conservation of bird species and natural habitats.

        Birdwatching tourism in Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, China

Arunachal Pradesh is recognized as one of the 25 mega biodiversity hotspots of the world with the second highest breeding bird diversity in the world². It is largest mountain state (83,743 km²) of North East Region of the country, having 80% forest cover and considerable area (around 11.82 % of geographical area of the state) under protected area network (PAN). There are 2 National Parks, 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 1 orchid sanctuary, 2 tiger reserves, 2 elephant reserves and 1 biosphere reserve in the state. The state has an exceptional richness in avian diversity, around 750 birds species have been recorded from the state (57 % of total avian species of country), making the state second highest avian diversity state in the country^3,4. There are 25 notified Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the state. Arunachal Pradesh is not fully explored in ornithological perspective and holds great potential for new bird species discoveries⁵. Some new bird Species such as Himalayan Forest Thrush (Zoothera salimalii), Bugun Liocichla (Liocichla bugunorum) and new subspecies of the Sclater’s monal (Lophophorus sclateri arunachalensis) have recently been recorded from the state. Diverse landscapes and varied climatic conditions also offer suitable habitats of various migratory birds viz. Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), Spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), Anas Spp. Arunachal Pradesh has the highest diversity of hornbills in the country, as it is home to five different species (out of 9 species recorded from India) namely Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulates), White-throated Brown Hornbill (Anorrhinus austeni) and Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris). Rich and unique bird diversity of state makes it a very idle destination of birdwatchers. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (454 avifauna), Namdapha National Parks (491 avifauna), Pakke Tiger Reserve (282 avifauna), Mouling National Park (114 avifauna), Dehang Dibang Biosphere Reserve (153 avifauna), Tawang area (113 avifauna) and Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (130 avifauna) are some of the potential birdwatching areas of the state.

   Migratory Rudy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) at Shungaster lake, Tawang

Author has recently participated in a regional workshop on harnessing potential on birdwatching ecotourism under Landscape Initiative for the Far-Eastern Himalayas (HI-LIFE) project organized by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal in Baihualing village of Yunnan, China and observed that villagers of Baihualing have successfully promoted the birdwatching tourism. Now this village has become a popular destination for international and national birdwatchers due to its close proximity to Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve (GNNR) and the rich diversity of bird species. The local community are directly getting livelihood benefits from homestay operation, food, transport, bird watching ponds & hides, bird guide services and selling of local products and souvenir. They are also actively involved in various bird and nature conservation activities.

Considering the rich diversity of birds and presence of important bird areas in Arunachal Pradesh, there is ample opportunity for development of birdwatching tourism in the state therefore such community driven birdwatching ecotourism initiative needs to be implemented in the state. This will provide alternative livelihood opportunity to local community and will also reduce pressure on the forest and natural resources and ultimately help in conservation of biodiversity. It could also be one of the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy for this climate change sensitive Himalayan state⁶.  At present, Bugun community is involved in birdwatching tourism activity in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary of the state but, there is huge potential for development of birdwatching tourism sector in the other areas of state. Collaborative actions and wider partnership of all stake holders mainly forest and tourism departments, research institutions, researchers, non government organization (NGO), tourism sector organizations and community are urgently need to harness the birdwatching tourism potential of the state. Capacity building and awareness creation among local community are other important priority areas for sustainable development of community based birdwatching tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.

References:

     1. Sekercioglu, C.,Impacts of birdwatching on human and avian communities. Environ Conserv., 2002, 29, 282–289.

     2. Mohan, D. and Athreya, R., Sustainable bird based tourism in India's remote north-east frontier. International Journal of Innovation Science, 2011, 3, 23–28.

    3. Chowdhury, A. U., A pocket guide to the birds of Arunachal Pradesh. 1st ed. Gibbon Books, Guwahati, 2006.

     4. Mize, D. and Tsomu, T., Avi-fauna species recorded from the Rono Hill of Arunachal Pradesh. The Ecoscan, 2012, 6,177-180.

    5. Mishra, C. and Datta, A., A new bird species from eastern Himalayan Arunachal Pradesh- India’s biological Frontier. Current Science, 2007, 92(9), 1205-1206.

   6. Kanwal, K.S., et al., Climate change and high-altitude wetlands of Arunachal Pradesh. Current Science, 2013, 105 (8), 1037-38.

Climate Change and High Altitude Wetlands of Arunachal Pradesh

The high altitude wetlands (HAWs) are an important category of natural wetlands found mainly in the higher reaches of the Himalayas. HAW is a generic term to describe areas of swamp, marsh, meadow, fen, peat-land or water bodies located at an altitude higher than 3000 m, above mean sea level, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or saline. In general, HAWs are areas located at altitudes between the continuous natural forest border and the permanent snowline. 

                                          A panoramic view of Shungatser Lake            

Arunachal Pradesh is ranked second in India after Jammu & Kashmir with 1672 HAWs covering a total area of 11,864 ha, accounting for about 7.6% of total wetland area of the state. Maximum number of wetlands are of small size (below 10 ha). There are no wetland of very large size (above 500 ha) in the state. Only 3 wetlands having an area of 100-500 ha have been observed². However, very little scientific information is available for the most of these wetlands due to the remoteness, harsh climatic condition and inaccessibility of the terrain of the region. None of the HAW of the state is considered under the Ramsar site.

Nagula Lake situated at 4120 masl in Tawang 

The high altitude wetlands of Arunachal Pradesh play significant role in maintaining hydrological and ecological balance in the upstream and downstream regions. They are the source of many major rivers like Tawangchu, Nyamjangchu, Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Dibang, and Lohit, these all are important tributaries of Brahmaputra³. They support rich diversity of gymnosperms, rhododendrons and rare medicinal plants species and provide suitable habitat for rare and threatened high altitude fauna like red panda (Ailurus fulgens), takin (Budorcas taxicolor), Chinese goral (Nemorhaedus griseus), red goral (Naemorhedus baileyi), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster)⁴. HAWs are considered as sacred for their cultural and traditional belief by Buddhist community especially in Tawang, West Kameng, West Siang and Lohit districts. They are also considered as carbon sinks.

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is very sensitive to climate change. As per Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA) report, the annual mean surface air temperature is projected to increase from 0.9±0.6⁰C to 2.6±0.7⁰C in the 2030s in IHR⁵. Arunachal Pradesh State Action Plan on Climate Change (APSPCC) has projected that maximum temperature will increase by 2.2⁰C to 2.8⁰C during 2030s as compared to baseline i.e. 1961-1990 and towards 2080s the increase is projected by 3.4⁰C to 5⁰C. Minimum temperature is projected to increase by 1⁰C to 2.6⁰C during 2030s and by 2.8⁰C to 5⁰C during 2080s. Water resource, forest and biodiversity are projected to be adversely impacted by climate change by 2030s in Arunachal Pradesh.

The fragile ecosystem and unique climatic conditions of HAW are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. They are characterized by extreme cold, dry and alpine climate conditions, particularly due to low air temperature and higher ultraviolet radiation. Researchers have also predicted hydrological and ecological response of high altitude wetlands to climate change in Himalayan region^1,7.

Climate change impact on HAWs can be visualized as most significant because they provide numerous ecological services, support unique biodiversity, important for carbon sequestration, maintaining hydrological balance, livelihood benefits to dependant populace and have religious significance among indigenous communities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to undertake in-depth research studies for sound database and formulate comprehensive climate change mitigation and adaption strategies for conservation and management of pristine and vulnerable ecosystem of HAWs of Arunachal Pradesh. Education, awareness programmes, traditional ecological knowledge and community participation may also be encouraged to combat the climate change impact on HAWs of Arunachal Pradesh.
(Current Science)

Plea to study mountain lakes

Scientists have called for in-depth studies to formulate comprehensive climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for the conservation and management of high-altitude wetlands in Arunachal Pradesh.

The scientists of G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development in a paper on Climate change and high-altitude wetlands of Arunachal Pradesh in the latestissue of Current Science said climate change impact on high-altitude wetlands can be visualised as the most significant because they provide numerous ecological services, support unique biodiversity and are important for maintaining hydrological balance, livelihood benefits to dependent populace and have religious significance among indigenous communities.

“Traditional ecological knowledge and community participation may also be encouraged to combat the climate change impact on high altitude wetlands of the state,” K.S. Kanwal and others of the institute said in the paper.

Arunachal Pradesh is ranked second in India after Jammu and Kashmir with 1,672 high altitude wetlands covering an area of 11,864 hectares with about 7.6 per cent wetland.

The wetlands located at an altitude higher than 3,000 metres above sea level are an important category of natural wetlands found mainly in the higher reaches of the Himalayas.

The Arunachal Pradesh State Action Plan on Climate Change has projected that maximum temperature will increase by 2.2 degrees to 2.8 degrees Celsius during 2030’s compared to 1961-1990 and the minimum temperature will increase by 1 degree to 2.6 degrees Celsius during the same period.

Water resource, forest and biodiversity are projected to be adversely impacted by the climate change by the 2030s in Arunachal Pradesh, the action plan said.

Most of the wetlands are small in size (below 10 hectares), and there are no large-sized wetlands (above 500 hectares) in the state. Only three wetlands having an area of 100 to 500 hectares have been observed and very little information is available for most of these wetlands because of the remoteness, harsh climatic condition and inaccessibility of the terrain of the region. None of the high altitude wetlands of the state are considered under the Ramsar sites.

The wetlands are the source of many major rivers like Tawangchu, Nyamjangchu, Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Dibang and Lohit, all important tributaries of the Brahmaputra and support the rich diversity of gymnosperms, rhododendrons and rare medicinal plants species and provide suitable habitat for rare and threatened high-altitude fauna like red panda, takin, Chinese goral, red goral, wild dog, snow leopard and musk deer.

The Buddhist community, especially in Tawang, West Kameng, West Siang and Lohit districts of Arunachal Pradesh consider the wetlands sacred.

Official sources said the state does not have any specific scheme for conservation and management of high-altitude wetlands but is taking steps to bring some of the lakes under the Ramsar Convention.

 Telegraph story 

Conservation and Management of High Altitude Wetlands of Eastern Himalaya

The ‘high altitude wetlands (HAW)’ is a generic term to describe “areas of swamp, marsh, meadow, fen, peat-land or water bodies located at an altitude higher than 3000m above mean sea level (amsl), whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or saline”. HAWs are an important category of natural wetlands found mainly in the higher elevations in the Himalayan region. HAWs are unique and pristine ecosystem of the world. Space Applications Centre, ISRO has mapped 4699 HAWs with an area of around 126125 ha in five Himalayan States viz. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh is ranked second in India after Jammu & Kashmir with 1672 HAWs covering a total area of 11,864 ha, accounting for about 7.6% of total wetland area of the state. Maximum number of wetlands are of small size (below 10 ha). There are no wetland of very large size (above 500 ha) in the state. Only 3 wetlands having an area of 100-500 ha have been observed. HAWs of the state are the source of many major rivers like Tawangchu, Nyamjangchu, Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Dibang, and Lohit, these all are important tributaries of Brahmaputra river. In Sikkim, there are 534 HAWs covering an area around 3324 ha. They occupy around 44.5% of total wetland area of the state. Sikkim is ranked first in terms of number of lakes per 100 km2 followed by Arunachal Pradesh.  None of the HAWs of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are considered under the Ramsar site.

HAWs of North-East Himalayan region provide number of important ecosystem goods and services to sustain livelihoods of the upstream and downstream population of the region. They are known as “water tower” on the earth. Besides, supporting unique and rich biodiversity, HAWs play crucial role to maintain hydrological and ecological balance in Eastern Himalayan region and have religious significance among local communities. They are also known as carbon ‘sinks’ and play vital role in carbon sequestration. HAWs of North-East Himalaya support rich diversity of gymnosperms, rhododendrons and rare medicinal plants species and provide suitable habitat for rare and threatened high altitude fauna like red panda (Ailurus fulgens), takin (Budorcas taxicolor), Chinese goral (Nemorhaedus griseus), red goral (Naemorhedus baileyi), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster).

At present, HAWs are suffering from degradation, habitat fragmentation, desertification, soil erosion and anthropogenic disturbances, which are further aggravated by climate change impact. Increasing grazing pressure in the catchment areas, over exploitation of forest resources, unregulated dumping of waste, unregulated tourism leading to soil and water pollution, construction works and other developmental activities are some of the major threats being observed in the HAWs of North-East Himalaya. However, very little information is available for most of these wetlands due to the remoteness, harsh climatic condition and inaccessibility of the terrain of the region. Therefore, comprehensive information is urgently required for developing and implementing plans for conservation and sustainable management of these unique ecosystems.

Due to its unique position and rich biodiversity composition, high altitude wetlands are important indicators to understand the impact of climate change. They are characterized by extreme cold, dry and alpine climate conditions, particularly due to low air temperature and higher ultraviolet radiation. Scientific information on climate change impacts on HAWs is unavailable for North-East Himalayan region. Therefore, researchers have suggested an urgent need to carry out in-depth studies for assessment of climate change impacts on HAWs ecosystem. These studies will help to frame a comprehensive climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for conservation of HAWs of North-East Himalaya. The North-Eastern states do not have any specific scheme for conservation and management of high-altitude wetlands but efforts are being made by Govt to bring more HAWs under Ramsar Convention. National programme for conservation and management of wetlands offered 100% assistance for survey and investigation and conservation and management of wetlands.

A multidisciplinary scientific approach need to be adopted for conservation and management of HAWs of North-East Himalaya. HAWs conservation and management programs can be implemented with the help of academicians, research institutions, Govt departments, NGOs and local communities. Comprehensive research and development activities on physical, biological and social aspects of HAWs, documentation of traditional ecological knowledge, organization of community awareness and education programmes may also play pivotal role in conservation and sustainable management of HAWs of North-East Himalaya.

(EchoofArunachal)

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I am Dr. K.S. Kanwal, professionally I am an Environmental Scientist, pursuing R&D in strategic environmental planning and management, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, climate change, environment education & awareness,  socio-economic development of rural communities for sustainable development of Himalayan region.

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