This book contributes to understanding mountain-specific environmental issues and studies conducted to address these challenges at the ecosystem and community levels. Mountain ecosystems are distinctive and provide numerous services in the form of fresh water, fertile soil, and bioresources to ethnic communities as well as to populations residing in downhill areas. This unique landscape encompasses approximately 27% of the Earths surface. It harbors about half of the worlds biodiversity hotspots and 30% of all key biodiversity areas, as well as vital genetic resources for locally adapted crops and livestock. Mountains play a crucial role in influencing climate activities at regional and global levels, by regulating air circulation, precipitation, and temperature variations. Due to the spatio-temporal changes in climatic conditions in the mountains and limited resource availability, local inhabitants have developed traditional practices for agriculture, livestock management, forestry, water utilization, and land use systems. The mountain ecosystem directly or indirectly affects the populations residing in downstream areas. Globally, mountains are facing numerous challenges including water scarcity, land degradation, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, increasing pollution, migration, environmental hazards (including disasters, earthquakes, floods, landslides, avalanches, rapid melting of glaciers), and forest degradation. These issues are impacting the lives of mountain inhabitants as well as the populations residing in the vicinity of mountains. Thus, understanding the mountain ecosystem and related processes is imperative.
The Integrated Mountain Ecosystem of Indian Himalayas: Need for Systems
Approach.- Land Use transition across the Himalaya: Evidence from the
Multiregional LULC study.- Projection of Extreme Rainfall in Indian Himalayan
Region using CMIP6 simulations.- Growth trends of different tree species
affected by climate change across Himalayan region.- Assessment of
Productivity of Selected Grasslands in the Trans-Himalayan Region of Ladakh
Using Geospatial Analysis.- Understanding hydrological processes in high
altitude mountainous catchments using environmental tracers.
Dr. Vasudha Agnihotri is a scientist at the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE). An alumna of IIT Roorkee and the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, she has the background in adsorption-based research, environmental chemistry, and environmental biotechnology. Her research portfolio includes studies on the treating domestic wastewater, phytoremediation of emerging pollutants, and the nutritional and pharmacological properties of Himalayan plant produces, as well as nutrient dynamics in glacier meltwater and permafrost areas. Dr. Agnihotri has authored over 47 research articles, 10 books, and 14 book chapters, and holds an Indian patent. Her multidisciplinary approach continues to bridge the gap between rigorous chemical research and practical environmental conservation in the Himalayan region. Dr. Sunil Nautiyal is a Professor at the Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources, ISEC, Bengaluru, and an Honorary Professor at the University of Ladakh. He earned his PhD from HNB Garhwal University, conducting research at the GBPNIHE, where he also served as Director. Dr. Nautiyals research encompasses natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, landscape dynamics, ecological modeling, and the application of GIS/remote sensing in socio-ecological systems. He has authored over 250 scientific papers and 16 books and has been honored with multiple international fellowships and awards (AvHF, JSPS, NIE). His interdisciplinary work promotes sustainable landscape management and informs policy for socio-ecological development in India. Dr. Sarla Shashni is a scientist at the GBPNIHE, Himachal Regional Center, Mohal-Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Her research is centered on the socio-economic development of the Trans-Himalayan region. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and an M.Sc. in Zoology, along with additional qualifications in Non-wood Forest Produces. Dr. Shashni has been honored with awards for her contributions to womens empowerment and apiculture. She has authored around 40 scientific publications and has managed several externally funded projects. Her ongoing work continues to significantly impact the Himalayan ecosystem and its associated communities. Dr. Kesar Chand is the scientist at the GBPNIHE, Himachal Regional Center, Mohal-Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. He earned his Ph.D. in Geography from Himachal Pradesh University, where he also completed his M.A. and M.Phil. in Geography. His work seamlessly integrates environmental geography with practical applications, such as air pollution assessment, aerosol-cryosphere interactions, and natural resource management. Additionally, he has contributed to studies on solid waste management and the environmental and social impact assessment of small hydropower projects. With 40 peer-reviewed research papers and 10 book chapters to his name, he has significantly enhanced scientific understanding of environmental challenges and promoted sustainable management practices in Himalayan landscapes. Dr. Manish Tripathi is a scientist at the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment Himachal Regional Center, Mohal-Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. He earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Botany from Kumaun University. Dr. Tripathi has published over 30 papers in both national and international journals of repute and authored a book titled Endolichenic Fungi: Present and Future Trends. He was also honored with the Uttarakhand Young Scientist Award by the Uttarakhand Congress for Science and Technology (UCOST). His research is centered on Biodiversity Conservation and Management, Resource Governance, and the diversity of Lichen and Endolichenic fungi.
