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G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (formerly known as G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development) was established in 1988-89, during the birth centenary year of Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant, as an autonomous Institute of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Govt. of India, which has been identified as a focal agency to advance scientific knowledge, to evolve integrated management strategies, demonstrate their efficacy for conservation of natural resources, and to ensure environmentally sound development in the entire Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The Institute attempts to maintain a balance of intricate linkages between socio-cultural, ecological, economic and physical systems that could lead to sustainability in the IHR. To achieve this, the Institute follows a multidisciplinary and holistic approach in all its Research and Development programmes with emphasis on interlinking natural and social sciences. In this effort, particular attention is given to the preservation of fragile mountain ecosystems, indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable use of natural resources. A conscious effort is made to ensure participation of local inhabitants for long-term acceptance and success of various programmes. Training, environmental education and awareness to different stakeholders are essential components of all the R&D programmes of the Institute.


BROAD OBJECTIVES (Mandates) 

1. Undertake in-depth research and development studies on environmental problems of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
2. Identify and strengthen the local knowledge of the environment and contribute towards strengthening researches of regional relevance in the scientific Institutions, Universities/NGOs  and Voluntary agencies working in the Himalayan region, through interactive networking.
3. Evolve and demonstrate suitable technological packages and delivery systems for sustainable development of the region in harmony with local perceptions.


RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CENTRES 


The R &D programmes of the Institute have been reoriented in to four functional Centres based of stakeholder needs.

   CENTRE
  CENTRE FOR LAND AND WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (CLWRM)

   CENTRE
CENTRE FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPEMENT (CSED)                  

   CENTRE
CENTRE FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT (CBCM)
               
   CENTRE
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE (CEA&CC)
               
               


RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES

 
   Research
               - Watershed services, management and land use policy
               - Domestic energy needs – options and challenges
               - Improved economic and ecological viability of Himalayan farming systems
               - Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
               - Protected areas- management issues & solutions
               - Climate change impacts – land and water resources
               - SEA and EIA specific to the Himalayan region
               - Disaster mitigation and management – data bases and knowledge products
               - Environmental Management of Urban areas
               - Sustainable tourism
               - Entrepreneurship and self employment in the Himalaya
               - Indigenous knowledge: traditional lifestyle, architecture and health care practices
               - Migration: socio-economic & cultural implications
               - Biotechnological interventions in environmental rehabilitation
               - Resource materials: mountain ecology and environment
               - Capacity building and technology transfer/absorption

   Developmental Options/ Programmes/ Plans
               - Resource management for sustainable development of rural ecosystems.
               - Propagation packages of high value plants.
               - Integrated Eco-development Research Programme (IERP) in the IHR

   Demonstration and Dissemination
               - Eco-restoration and conservation models
               - Livelihood options
               - Capacity building and skill development
               - Networking
               - Publication/Documentation


MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

 
   Restoration and Rehabilitation

   Impact Assessment and Mitigation

   Guidelines, Action Plans, and Policy Documents

   Capacity Building and Awareness

   Biodiversity Conservation and Biotechnological Applications

   Indigenous Knowledge Documentation and Database


SUPPORT FACILITIES 

 


ORGANIZATIONAL SETUP  

 
The Institute functions under a Society, guided by a Governing Body and a Science Advisory Committee. It has a decentralized set up, with its headquarters at Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, and at present six other regional centres are operational at Srinagar (Garhwal Regional Centres), Mohal – Kullu (Himachal Regional Centres), Tadong-Gangatok (Sikkim Regional Centres), Itanagar (NE Regional Centres), Leh-Ladakh(Ladakh Regional Centre) and Mountain Division (at MoEF&CC, New Delhi). The R&D activities of the Institute are centered around 4 thematic centre, namely Centre for Land & Water Resource Management(CLWRM), Centre for Socio-Economic & Development(CSED),Centre for Biodiversity Conservation & Management(CBCM), Centre for Environmental Assessment & Climate Change(CEA&CC).


INSTITUTE FUNDING  

 
The Institute receives core funding from the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India. The research and development activities are, however, substantially strengthened through external funding obtained from different National (DBT, CSIR, DST, UGC, ICSSR, INSA, ICAR, UCOST, NEC, Sikkim Govt., WWF-India, etc.) and International (ICIMOD, UNESCO, NORAD, TSBF, CIDA-SICI, McArthur Foundation, BCN, TMI, UNDP, FAO, UNIDO, UNICEF, etc.) agencies.


SERVICES 

 
The Institute has developed unique approach in ensuring people's participation in eco-conservation & development through conduct of on-spot training camps/workshops for the public, particularly women, students and teachers, army personnel, etc. Towards human resource development, the Institute continues to play an important role by training project based staff and number of Indian students have also received degree of Doctor of Philosophy while working in the Institute; in addition, the institute has conducted training/summer Programme for students/visiting scientists from various parts of India and from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Holland, Canada, Germany, etc.
Apart from research and development activities, the Institute has support facilities and services such as library, arboretum, videography, nursery, instrumentation centre, consultancy, project formulation, soil, water analysis, tissue culture, data processing and information systems, training programmes, workshop and seminars.


INFORMATION DISSEMINATION FROM INSTITUTE   

 
The Institute disseminates the findings of its R&D activities through publication of research papers in national & international journals, books and edited volumes.