New trans-boundary landscape initiative

Prashant Acharya, Siliguri, 19 Apr 2014: Bhutan, India and Nepal, the three regional members comprising the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), have agreed on an initiative for a new trans-boundary landscape. Under this initiative, an area of about 16,000km covering parts of eastern Nepal, Sikkim and the northern parts of West Bengal in India, and western Bhutan will become part of the Kangchenjunga Landscape, one of the seven trans-boundary areas identified by the ICIMOD in the Hindukush Himalayan region.

ICIMOD programme co-coordinator Nakul Chhetri told the EOI the decision was formalised at the initiative’s second experts’ consultation held on April 16-18 in Thimphu, Bhutan. Based on the concept and timeframe decided at the first experts’ consultation held in August 2012 in Gangtok, Sikkim the three countries prepared feasibility assessment reports that were shared at the meeting.

“The participatory and consultative process followed during the preparation of the Feasibility Assessment reports by the member countries are encouraging steps towards trans-boundary cooperation,” noted Eklabya Sharma, Director of Programme Operations at ICIMOD.

He expressed satisfaction over the progress made during the consultation and noted all three member countries are fully committed for the preparatory phase of the Kanchanjunga Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative.

During the opening session, Dasho Sherab Gyaltshen, Secretary of Bhutan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, launched a book titled ‘An integrated assessment on effects of natural and human disturbance on a wetland ecosystem: A retrospective from Phobjikha Conservation Area, Bhutan’.

The book is the result of collaborative and multidisciplinary work between the ICIMOD and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, Bhutan.

Representatives emphasised the importance of the initiative during the event. “The challenges of biodiversity conservation and management of the landscape can only be addressed if all the three member countries cooperate at various levels, from local to bilateral to regional. The Royal Government of Bhutan is committed to this initiative,” said Gyaltshen.

Krishna Acharya, Joint Secretary of Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, pointed out that trans-boundary cooperation is imperative in the face of growing human-wildlife conflict as well as increasing evidence that species, such as snow leopards, are expanding their habitat across the boundaries of the member nations.

BMS Rathore, Joint Secretary of India’s Ministry of Forests and Environment, emphasised the need to adopt participatory approaches and engage communities in the management of natural resources.

PP Dhyani, Director, GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, noted that the work around Mount Kanchenjunga “already provides substantial scientific information, and the second regional consultation is a good start for long-term cooperation among the member countries”.

Likewise, Chencho Norbu, Director General of Bhutan’s Department of Forest and Park Services, reiterated the need for greater focus on practical solutions for both conservation and development issues at national and regional levels.