Efficient management of the finite natural resources of the mountains is the key to sustainable and equitable development. This is particularly important for the Himalaya, which is the youngest and most fragile mountain ecosystem in the world.

            In the complex mountain environment of the Indian Himalayan region (IHR), which continues to remain backward in terms of economic and infrastructure development, availability of accurate and authentic data in a suitable format is pivotal for effective development planning and decision making. The present volume on Resource Information Database is the third in the series of theme based/occasional publication of the ENVIS Centre on Himalayan ecology of the Institute (GBPIHED). This resource database is the outcome of efforts of the colleagues associated with the Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Centre who have made use of the existing Geographical Information System (GIS) facilities at the Institute and available secondary databases on natural resource, human resource, infrastructure and socio-economic aspects, etc., and integrated them with maps based on the Survey of India. It is hoped that the database will provide a basis for assessing the resources of the IHR and the complex interactions between these finite resources and the people inhabiting in the region. Availability of such databases will also substantially assist policy planners as well as administrators in the planning and developmental processes particularly for the effective management of the natural resources of the Indian Himalayan region.

             We welcome critique of our esteemed readers.

Kosi-Katarmal (Almora)                                                                   Uppeandra Dhar

December 2006.                                                                                         Director