In News:

On 11th December 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), hosted an event titled ‘Youth for the Himalaya: Innovate, Inspire, Impact’ to mark International Mountain Day.

Event Overview:

• The event was themed “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future – Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth.”
• It emphasized the critical role of young people in addressing the environmental challenges faced by the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
• The aim was to showcase youth-driven innovations contributing to the region's sustainability, catalyzing active youth participation in environmental actions. This initiative aligns with the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which encourages sustainable practices and collective environmental responsibility.

Key Highlights:

• Young changemakers, innovators, and stakeholders from across the country participated, including students, youth representatives, and members of the private sector, civil society, and government.
• The event highlighted discussions on sustainable solutions for the Himalayan region, integrating traditional knowledge with modern technological advancements in areas like eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
• Short films and videos produced by NIHE and IUCN, such as "Promoting Conservation of Threatened Plant Species in the Western Himalayas" and "Himalayan Futures: Voices from the Ground," were also showcased.

International Mountain Day

• International Mountain Day, observed every year on December 11th since 2003, was established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the sustainable development of mountain regions.
• Mountains cover about one-fifth of the Earth's surface and provide essential freshwater to half of humanity, supporting agriculture, clean energy, and health.

Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

• The IHR spans 13 Indian states and union territories, stretching approximately 2,500 kilometers from west to east. It is a biodiversity hotspot with significant ecological and cultural value. However, it faces challenges such as unsustainable development, climate change impacts, cultural erosion, and rising tourism.

Key Concerns for IHR:

• Unsustainable Development: Infrastructure projects and deforestation disrupt ecosystems.
• Climate Change: Glacial melting and rising temperatures affect water resources and increase flood risks.
• Cultural Erosion: Modernization threatens traditional practices of indigenous communities.
• Tourism Pressure: Waste generation due to growing tourism puts immense pressure on the region's fragile ecology.

Measures for Protection:

• Sustainable Tourism: Promoting eco-tourism and enforcing capacity limits to minimize environmental impact.
• Water Management: Capturing glacial meltwater for agriculture and ecosystem support.
• Disaster Preparedness: Developing disaster management strategies and early warning systems for events like landslides and floods.
• Bio-Cultural Conservation: Protecting both natural biodiversity and indigenous cultural practices through designated zones.
• Integrated Development: Establishing a "Himalayan Authority" for coordinated development in line with Sustainable Development Goals.