Sustainable development and management of rural ecosystems in the Central Himalaya: a case study from Haigad watershed

Abstract

SUMMARY Ecologically fragile landscapes of the Himalaya, particularly rainfed areas, have been experiencing increased degradation of land and water, and loss of biodiversity. This study emphasizes the utility of micro-level planning on area-specific land use for environmental management in the most populated mountain belt (between 1000–2400 m asl), commonly referred as the ‘problem zone’ in the Central Himalayan region. Assessment of existing land-use practices, environmental problems, and evaluation of physical and cultural infrastructures were the foundation of the envisaged developmental model and action plan. Based on the primary information, and constant interaction between the scientists and farmers, an eco-friendly alternative model for sustainable and optimal utilization of land has been developed and demonstrated. The people's participation was considered an essential tool for successful implementation of the action plan. Consequently, subsequent actions and field work were carried out by villagers themselves with the encouragement and guidance of experts. People's perception about the entire programme has been satisfactory as shown by the adoption of technology packages which have been demonstrated on their land. The basic ethos has been the supplementation of the traditional knowledge base, not its replacement.