Annual Report 2014-15 Annual Reportsbb.uk.gov.in/files/Documents/Annual_Report-2014-15.pdf · to mention that Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board started the process of regulating the

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Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board

108, Phase II, Vasant Vihar, Dehradun - 248006 Telefax: 0135-2769886

e-mail: [email protected] | website: www.sbb.uk.gov.in An

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Biodiversity Conservation ..... An art of living with nature

Published & Printed by

Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board108, Phase-II, Vasant Vihar, Dehradun-248006 Telefax: 0135-2769886 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sbb.uk.gov.in

GuidanceDr. Rakesh Shah

Cover Photo© Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board

Edited & Compiled byPankaj Pant

Many people are helping to make the world a better place, but humanity as a whole is making it difficult for other living creatures that share our planet to survive.

- Robert Alan Silverstein

© Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board © Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board

Annual Report2014-15


Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board108, Phase-II, Vasant Vihar, Dehradun-248006

0135-2769886 [email protected] | Website: www.sbb.uk.gov.in

mRrjk[k.M tSofofo/krk cksMZUTTARAKHAND BIODIVERSITY BOARD

© Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board

MessAge by Chairman

I am delighted to bring forth the annual report of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board for the year 2014-15. Before I state anything about the achievements of the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board I want to remind one and all that by protecting biodiversity we are protecting nature’s capacity to provide the goods and services that we need and that will ultimately underpin sustainable economic growth. With this background each one of us who is concerned with not only conservation but also unsustainable use or unscientific harvesting of biodiversity or biological resources have to understand that everyone has a role to play in the cause of biodiversity. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at global level and Biological Diversity Act, 2002 at national level are tools to obtain the contribution of concerned people in the cause of conservation of biological diversity, inform policy and planning, raising awareness among the general public and so on and so forth. At the outset it would be appropriate to place on record the contribution of the State Government of Uttarakhand, Government of India, the National Biodiversity Authority, and various State Biodiversity Boards for their support in achieving our objectives. At state level forest department, various line department and various government institutions need to be complimented in guiding and supporting our endeavors to achieve the goals of three pillars of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Biological Diversity Act, 2002 which are conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of use of biological resources. The activities of the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board also saw the beginning of journey towards achieving the objectives of Nagoya Protocol. At present the board is in the process of formation of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the level of Gram Panchayat. Out of 7956 Gram Panchayat in the state BMCs have been formed in 751 and this exercise is going on. For providing assistance to BMCs in preparing PBRs some non-government organizations (NGOs) have been identified and recognized as Technical Support Groups (TSGs). A few BMCs are preparing the People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) for which funds are being transferred into their bank accounts.

Dr. rakesh Shah, iFSChairman, Uttarakhand biodiversity board

I also want to register the valuable contribution of members of the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, special invitees in the meetings of the board in the implementation of the mandate given to the board under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. With the increasing efforts of the board a dawn of new order of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is ushering in.

I appeal to all those who are concerned with conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and resources to join hands and extend their contribution to the board in achieving the objectives of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBS), Nagoya Protocol and Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Dr. Rakesh Shah Chairman Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board

FOReWORD by member SeCretary

I feel immense pleasure to produce this very Annual Report of the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board (UBB) for the year 2014-15. Significance of biodiversity conservation is evident from the fact that biodiversity, or the variety of living things that exist, is fundamental to the existence of life on Earth, and the importance of it cannot be underestimated. It is not only the variety of living organisms on our planet, but also the interdependence of all these living things. Clearly various life forms play a major role in the function of ecosystems, and the variety, or diversity, of this life has played a major role in the evolution of the world. Biodiversity ensures life support systems in terms of ecology and in terms of economy it provides us goods and services. Biodiversity is the soul of various landscapes as without vegetation or organisms, the landscapes would be virtually indistinguishable from one another.

It is painful to note that in many ways humans have had a significantly negative effect on biodiversity and earth's natural environment as a whole. It is precisely so that under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 human beings have been excluded from the definition of biodiversity. Thus in the background of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which reaffirms the sovereign rights of the countries and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 people have a very significant role to play in management of biodiversity. Therefore, at local level Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) come into picture as local institutions with global thought and local action. Ever since the creation of the board several BMCs have been constituted so far and the BMCs are mandated to prepare Peoples Biodiversity Register (PBR). Out of 7956 Gram Panchayats in the state of Uttarakhand BMCs have been formed in 751 Gram Panchayats and this process is continuing.

It would be worth mentioning that Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board is executing a trans boundary project Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSCLDI) in which participating countries are China, India and Nepal. The project is being coordinated by International Centre of Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal. Organizing an international Training of

G.S Pande, iFSMember secretary

Trainers (TOT) for officials of Government of Nepal was another highlight of the year. It is also remarkable to mention that Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board started the process of regulating the commercial use of biological resources through Access& Benefit sharing (ABS) provided under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

I do hope we will continue to excel in our endeavor of conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable distribution of benefits derived out of biological resources in the state of Uttarakhand. I hereby take this opportunity to thank Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board for his support and valuable guidance in publication of this report. I sincerely acknowledge the contribution of Mr. Dhananjay Prasad, Deputy Director, Mr. Pankaj Pant and entire team of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board in bringing out this Annual Report.

G.S. Pande Member Secretary Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board

ContentsMessage froM ChairMan ............................ iii

Foreword By MeMBer Secretary ............................ v

execUtive SUMMary ............................ 1

ProFile oF Uttarakhand ............................ 3

introdUction to BiodiverSity conServation ............................ 7

BiodiverSity ProFile oF Uttarakhand ............................ 11

viSion & MiSSion ............................ 15

overview oF the Board ............................ 17

• Constitution of the Board ............................ 17

• Reconstitution of the Board ............................ 17

• Functions of the Board ............................ 18

• Board Meetings ............................ 19

activitieS oF the Board ............................ 23

• Constitution of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) ............................ 23

• Preparations of the People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR) ............................ 26

• Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan ............................ 36

• Celebration of International Biodiversity Day ............................ 44

hUMan reSoUrce develoPMent ............................ 49

• Workshops, Training Programmes & Conferences ............................ 49

• Trainings Provided by the Board ............................ 60

achieveMentS oF Uttarakhand BiodiverSity Board (UBB) ............................ 71

aUditor'S rePort ............................ 73

annexures ............................ 84-96

© dhananjay Prasad

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eXeCUTIVe sUMMARy

The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 provides a legal mechanism for establishing sovereign rights over the Indian Biodiversity and its conservation, protection against misappropriation, regulation

of access and sustainable use of biodiversity and associated knowledge. For fulfilling commitment of India towards achieving the objectives of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and implementation of Biological Diversity Act, 2002, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board (UBB) was constituted by the state government in 2006.

This very report presents the progress of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board for the year 2014-2015. During this year, two meetings of the board (i.e., 7th and 8th) were held and important decisions taken. These have been documented in this report. Board recognized and approved different government and non government organizations as Technical Supporting Group (TSG). Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board (UBB) and Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPHIED), Almora have signed Letter of Agreement (LoA) for implementation of a trans-boundary project Kailash Sacred Landscape Development Initiative (KSLCDI) for component number 3 i.e. Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) for development of resilient communities. During the year a number of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) were constituted and various People's Biodiversity Registers (PBR) were prepared. So far 13 Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) have been identified for being notified in future. Out of these four sites were shortlisted for being notified as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS). An innovative attempt to strengthen the grass root level institution of BMCs was made through transferring the funds earmarked for preparation of PBRs directly into the accounts of BMCs. This is also being done by transferring the funds electronically. An amount of `1,200,000/- has been provided to BMCs of Pithoragarh District under Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI) during the year. This is a significant initiative taken by the board for strengthening of local communities/BMC and increasing the transparency in the system.

Besides the preparation of PBRs the Board is also facilitating preparation of Bio Cultural Protocol (BCP). BCPs are documents which indicate the linkages of practices of various communities/ethnic groups with the biological resources of their areas. They also include protocol governing access to the biological resources in respect of areas under their control. In coming times BCPs are also proposed to be prepared for tribal communities like Gujjar, Tharu, Jaunsari, Van Raji, Bhotia and Boxa.

A special project titled Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI) was undertaken which is a trans boundary collaborative programme among China, India and Nepal that has

evolved through participatory, iterative process among various local and natural research institutions within these countries. The programme aims to achieve a long term conservation of ecosystems, habitats and biodiversity while encouraging sustainable development, enhancing the resilience of communities in the landscape and safeguarding the cultural linkages among local populations. Areas falling under Pithoragarh district and a small part of Bageshwar districts are included under the project.

The International Day for Biodiversity 2014 was celebrated with high spirits and fervor. Highlights of the celebration included state level function in the Auditorium of the Indian Council for Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE), Kaulagarh, Dehradun, Photography competition, Green Wave with pledge by school children and painting competition at Malsi Deer Park in Dehradun and celebration of contribution of farmers in conservation of agro biodiversity in Pithoragarh district. This day was also celebrated in Chakrata Forest Division at Asan Conservation Reserve, Rampur Mandi, Kalsi, Dehradun, Nainital Forest Division at Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo and Himalayan Botanical Garden, Nainital and Kedarnath Wildlife Division at Gopeshwar, Chamoli. It is remarkable to mention that Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India notified Guidelines on Access to Biological Resources and Associated Knowledge and Benefits Sharing Regulations, 2014 laying down the procedure of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board was the first to enter into a Benefit Sharing Agreement on mutually agreed terms with Habib Industries Pvt. Ltd. Dehradun and realized an amount of (`3,22,991/-) for the year 2013-14. Approximately 300 notices have already been issued to various entities using biological resources for commercial purposes. An International Conference entitled "Regional Expert Workshop on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing in Hindu Kush Himalaya" was organized in collaboration with International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal during 25-27 November, 2014. The workshop was attended by participants from China, Nepal, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Bhutan. Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Mr. Harish Rawat was the Chief Guest on the occasion. An International Training of Trainers (TOT) was also organised for the officials of Government of Nepal. The topics of training included process of formation of BMC, preparation of PBR and mechanism of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). The annual accounts for the year 2014-2015 have been included appropriately in this annual report. The year also witnessed organisation of various activities for human resource development like trainings and capacity building.

mÙkjk[k.MUttarakhand

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PROFILe OF UTTARAKHAND

Uttarakhand is one of the thirteen Himalayan states in India. It was carved out from the erstwhile state of Uttar Pradesh (UP). Uttarakhand (previously called Uttaranchal) was created

as the 27th state of the Indian Union on 9 November, 2000 by carving out the 13 hill districts from UP. It lies in the northern part of India between the latitudes 28°43′ N and 31°27′ N and longitudes 77°34′ E and 81°02′ E, having a maximum dimensions of 301 km in the east-west direction and 255 km in the north-south and covering an area of 53,483 km2. The elevation ranges from 210 to 7817 m. The state shares its border with China (Tibet) in the north, Nepal in the east, inter-state boundaries with Himachal Pradesh in the west and north-west and UP in the South.

The 13 districts of the state fall in two major administrative units, viz., Garhwal (north-west portion) and Kumaon (south-east portion). Dehradun, Haridwar, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag and Chamoli come under Garhwal Division whereas Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Almora, Nainital, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar, fall in Kumaon Division. Hindi is commonly spoken in the state whereas Garhwali, Jaunsari and Kumaoni are the local languages/dialects. The general profile of the state is as under:

GENERAL PROFILEDate of formation of state 9 November 2000 Total area 53,483 km2 Total forest area 37999.53 Km2 (71.05%)Capital Dehradun Total number of districts 13 High Court Nainital Main crops Paddy, barley, maize Main fruits Apple, litchi, plum, peach, malta Main rivers Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Mandakini, Pindar, Tons, Yamuna, Kali, Bhilangna,

Sarayu, Ramganga Main tourist and historic places Nainital, Mussoorie, Pauri, Almora, Ranikhet, Khirsu Main religious places Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Panchakedar, Panchabadari,

Panchaprayag, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Hemkund Sahib Population density (persons/km) 189 Total population 10.11 millionsDecennial growth rate (2001–2011) 19.17% Male population (millions) 5.15 Female population (millions) 4.96 Sex ratio (females per 1,000 males) 963 Literacy rate 79.6% Economic Profile GSDP (2011-12) factor cost ` 60,898 crorePer capita income (2011–2012) ` 94,944

Key industries using bio-resources Agro and food processing, paper, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, saw mills, plywood industry, resin factories and other forest-based industries etc.

Key industrial areas Haridwar, Dehradun, Sitarganj, Rudrapur

note : All demographic information is from the 2011 Census data. Economic data are from CII’s Uttarakhand Investment Climate Report, November 2011 and Uttarakhand at a Glance 2012-13

Physiographic zones of Uttarakhand

Terai & Bhabhar ShivaliksDoon Valleys

Mid Himalayas

Higher Himalayas

Trans Himalayas

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The state is divided into the distinct non-montane and montane physiographic zones as under:

Non-montane

Bhabhar: This is a level surface zone at the foothills of the Himalaya (approx.) 34 km wide, where the Himalayan torrents rush down from the steep slopes and disappear under boulders and gravels due to the extremely porous soil type of the Bhabhar.

Tarai: Situated below the Bhabhar and parallel to it, the Tarai is a marshy and damp tract (once 80–90 km wide) containing fertile soils with good water retention capacity.

MontaneSub-Himalaya: Called the Sub-Himalaya because it possesses the least Himalayan features. It consists of two zones, the Shivaliks, the youngest of the Himalayan ranges and the Doon (flat longitudinal structural valleys) to the north of the Shivaliks. The Shivaliks extend in a narrow varying width of 6 to 30 km, with altitudes of 300–1000 m.

Mid Himalaya: This zone extends in a varying width of 60–90 km in an abrupt rise in elevation between 1000 m and 3000 m. It contains two types of physiographic sub-units: the Himachal ranges and the Himachal valleys and lake basins.

Greater Himalaya: This zone has a varying width of 40–60 km. The altitude varies between 3000 and 7000 m. Except for the lower valleys, this zone is perpetually covered with snow and hence it is called Himadri. The region covers glacial landforms above 3000 m.

Trans-Himalaya: Also known as the Tethys Himalaya and the Indo-Tibet plateau, the region is in the rain shadow of the Greater Himalaya and is therefore a cold desert; the region is within the watersheds of Ganga and Sharda


Owing to its largely mountainous regions, the state is endowed with unique ecosystems. The northern region of the state is part of the great Himalayan range, covered with snow and glaciers. Two of the Indian sub-continent’s major rivers – the Ganga and the Yamuna also originate from the glaciers of Uttarakhand.

Forest Cover The total geographical area of the state is 53,483 sq. km. out of which 71% is under various classes of forests which is 37999.53 km². Forest area under management of forest department is 24418.67 km². Out of this very dense forest is 4785 km², moderately dense forest, 14,411 km², and open forest, 5,612 km² and . Scrub is 262 km² (FSI-2013). About 19% area of the State is under permanent snow cover, glaciers and steep slopes which is generally above timber line. As per legal status, reserve forests constitute 71.08%, protected forests 28.51% and unclassified forests 0.41% of the total forest area. The major forest types occurring in the state are Tropical Moist Deciduous (500-1000m), Tropical Dry Deciduous, Sub-tropical Pine (1000-2000m), Himalayan Moist Temperate (2000-3000m), Sub-Alpine (3400-4000m) and Alpine Forests (4000-5000m). Forests are largely distributed throughout the state, with conifers and Sal being the major forest formation. Terai and bhabhar belt of sub Himalayan Tract comes under tropical moist deciduous category.

The state is into eight catchments, which are divided into 26 watersheds. These are further divided into 110 small watersheds and finally there are 1,110 micro watersheds.

AgricultureIn Uttarakhand most of the farming is “organic by default” in rain fed areas, and in the hills, 90 percent of the agricultural land is rain fed. Rich biodiversity both in wild plants and agricultural crops is thus preserved in traditional cropping systems. One of such systems is Baranaja an ethnic system of conservation being practiced in hills of Uttarakhand since time immemorial. Baranaja means twelve food crops grown together with finger millet as the main crop. Limitation of topography in the hills has also forced farmers in general to adopt traditional farming which is helping in conservation of agro-biodiversity, however, new technologies, particularly introduction of hybrid seed, have negatively impacted diversity in crops. Broadly the district wise pattern of crops and livestock in the state is as under:

S. No. Districts Agricultural Biodiversity1. U.S. Nagar, Haridwar Paddy, wheat, sugarcane, lentil, chickpea, rapeseed mustard, mango,

litchi, guava, peach and plums. Livestock: Buffalo and cattle.2. Nainital, Dehradun and Pauri

GarhwalPaddy, wheat, sugarcane, rapeseed-mustard, potato, lentil, mango, guava and litchi. Livestock: Buffalo and cattle

3. Champawat, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, Nainital, Garhwal, Tehri

Paddy, wheat, onion, chillies, peas, potato, radish, cauliflower, pulses, oilseeds, soybean, mango, guava, plums and peaches. Livestock: Buffalo and cattle

4. Champawat, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, Bageshwar, Nainital, Garhwal, Tehri

Finger millet, maize, Paddy, wheat, pulses, mango, guava, plums and peaches. Livestock: Buffalo, cattle and goat

5. Champawat, Nainital, Almora, Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Bageshwar

Paddy, finger millet, wheat, potato, tomato, peas, Cole crops, pulses, peaches and plums. Livestock: Cattle, sheep and goat

6. Pithoragarh, Almora, Chamoli, Bageshwar

Amaranth, finger millet, French beans, ole crops, potato, peas, peaches, plums, pear, apple, stone fruits. Livestock: Cattle, sheep and goat

7. Pithoragarh,Chamoli, Uttarkashi

Amaranth, buckwheat, peas, crops, apple and potato. Livestock: Sheep, goat.

Source: SAPCC Uttarakhand

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INTRODUCTION TO bIODIVeRsITy CONseRVATION

In the year 1992 (between 3rd and 14th June) a total of 172 countries participated in the United Nations Conference on Environment & Development (UNCED) at Rio de Janerio, Brazil also known

as the “Earth Summit”. This summit led to the establishment of two major Conventions to address the growing concerns on issues pertaining to Climate change and Sustainable development. On 5th June, 1992 (CBD) was opened for signature. This Convention was inspired by the world community’s growing commitment to sustainable development and the reorganization of the value of biological resources to economic and social development. At present, 168 nations are signatories and 196 nations are party to this convention. India is a party to the CBD and it ratified the convention on 18 February, 1994.

The convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that entered into force on 29th December, 1993 has 3 main objectives;

�� Conservation of biological diversity

�� Sustainable use of the components of biological diversity and

�� Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.

In compliance to the provisions of CBD, and to achieve its objectives, the Government of India enacted the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and notified Biological Diversity Rule, 2004. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 has been enacted by Government of India for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair & equitable sharing of benefits arising out of use of biological resources and associated knowledge. The act provides for a three level institutional mechanism for its implementation; namely National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) at National level, State Biodiversity Boards (SBB) at state level and Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) at local bodies' level. Every local body has to constitute a BMC within its area for the purpose of promoting conservation, sustainable use and documentation of biological diversity including preservation of habitats, conservation of land races, folk varieties and cultivars, domesticated stocks and breeds of animals and chronicling of knowledge relating to biodiversity. There are around 8,000 Gram Panchayats in the State out of which BMCs have been formed in more than 800 Gram Panchayats. The act which has been enacted in compliance with Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) reaffirms the sovereign rights of States over their biological resources which cannot be translated into practice without formation of BMCs.

The BD Act, 2002 has three pillars; conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of use of biological resources and associated knowledge. Out of these three pillars, the third component i.e. fair and equitable sharing of benefits out of use of biological resources and associated knowledge (Access and Benefit Sharing) is the most important and is the soul of the Act.

Biodiversity on the Planet Earth - The term ‘Biodiversity’ encompasses the variety in all life forms on earth. It is identified as the variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are part, including diversity within and between species and ecosystem. In simple words, it can be defined as variety & variability between genes, species and ecosystems.

Scientists have estimated that currently there are approximately 5-15 million species on this planet out of which about 1.8 million have been described by the scientists. Over 15,000 new species are described each year and new species are also evolving but the rapid loss of species we are seeing today is estimated by experts to be between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources (IUCN) has estimated that of known mammals 22% of amphibians 14% of birds and 32% of gymnosperms are threatened with extinction.

India- Mega Diverse Country- India is one of the sixteen-mega biodiversity countries of the world and one of the four in Asia. Together, the Megadiversity countries account for at least two thirds of all non-fish vertebrate species and three quarters of all higher plant species. The seventeen Mega biodiversity countries that have been identified are: India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo (previously Zaire), Philippines, South Africa, USA, Venezuela, Australia and Papua New Guinea


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Since India lies at the confluence of African, European and Indo - Malaysian region, the biota therefore includes African (Ethopian), European, Eurasian (Palaeractic) and Mediterranean elements, which together with Indian and endemic elements contributes to the richness of the characteristic Indian biodiversity.

Biodiversity Profile of India- With only 2.7% of the land area, 4% of fresh water, 17% of human and 18% of livestock population, India holds the 11th rank in the club of 16 mega-diverse countries of the world. India is proud to have 7-8% of the recorded species of the world.

India is also one of the eight recognized Vavilovian centers of origin and diversity of crop plants, having over 300 wild ancestors and close relatives of cultivated plants. India has ten bio geographical zones and has four global biodiversity hotspots (Eastern-Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats and Sundaland).

Varied edaphic, Climatic and topographic conditions have resulted in a wide range of ecosystem and habitats such as forest, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and coastal and marine ecosystem Himalayan ecosystems.

Mangroves in India account for 3% of the global total with rich species diversity. Sunderbans is the largest congregation of mangroves forest in the world.

Wetland ecosystem ranges from high altitude cold desert to hot and humid wetlands in coastal zones with rich flora and fauna. 115 wetlands and 40 lakes have been identified under national program and 25 wetlands of international importance under Ramsar convention.

India houses 16 major forest types and 251 sub types occupying 23.81% (78.3 million ha) of country’s geographical area, deforestation has largely been halted. So far, India has established a network of 679 Protected Areas (PAs), extending over 1,62,365.49 km2 (4.9% of the total geographic area) and comprising 102 National Parks, 517 Wildlife Sanctuaries, four Community Reserves and 56 Conservation


Reserves. These wildlife protected areas also include 39 Tiger Reserves and 28 Elephant Reserves, along with 6 World Heritage Sites within UNESCO’s framework. There are deserts covering an area of 200, 000 sq.km. out of which 1/3 part is cultivable. Total forest area in the country is 770,100 sq.km which is about of 23.4% of the total land area.

There are 45,000 species of flora and 89,492 different faunal species recorded in India. As per estimates there are over 15,000 species of flowering plants in India.

© dr. rakesh Shah

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bIODIVeRsITy PROFILe OF UTTARAKHAND

The floral & faunal composition is diverse and interesting. Between the Himalayas in the north and the hills and the plateau in the south lies a vast Gangetic plain which is one of the largest

homogenous alluvial plains in the world. In Uttarakhand, the Bhabhar skirts the Shivalik mainly in Garhwal and Nainital-Pilibhit while terai extends from River Yamuna on the west and a large portion of it lies in the Nepal. The Terai in Uttarakhand covers lower portions of district Nainital.

Shivalik formation are one of the most important eco-region due to their endemism and past geological history. The era of Shivalik ecosystem of rocks is called “Age of Mammals”. It is the filtering zone for enhanced biodiversity but also to the green and white revolutions, industrializations and creation of livelihood opportunities. This region harboured a rich fauna in the geological past as evidenced by the discovery of fossils of Amphibians, Reptiles and mammals. The wide altitudinal range is the richest zone in terms of habitat and biodiversity.

Enormous floristic and vegetation diversity marks the upper limit of vegetation with variety of orchids. By virtue of its extensive geographical stretch, varied terrain and climate the Himalayan mountain ranges Uttarakhand is gifted with a series of wetlands. Important perennial rivers are Ganga, Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Ramganga, Nayar, Kosi, Saryu, Sharda and their tributaries. These wetlands, which are some of the most productive and endangered ecosystems, exibit tremendous faunal diversity from Protozoa to mammals. These water bodies are home to migratory and resident birds during various times of the year. In fact Uttarakhand is also known as 'Paradise of Birds' as 743 bird species have been recorded out of approximately 1300 bird species in India. It is appropriate to remark that the state has now begun celebrating 'Bird Festival' for promoting Bird Eco-Tourism.

Floral Diversity of Uttarakhand (updated by BSI-Dehradun)

Algae 352Bryophytes 560Lichens 541Pteridophytes 365Gymnosperms 35Monocotyledons including orchids (Angiosperms) 1268Orchids 237Dicotyledons 3572

Faunal Diversity of Uttarakhand (updated by ZSI-Dehradun)

Protozoa 35 Orthoptera 116

Trematodes 63 Dermaptera 43

Cestodes 36 Isoptera 52

Vertebrate Nematode 28 Hemiptera 479

Plants and soil Nematodes 230 Coleoptera 297

Mollusca 129 Lepidoptera 459

Annelida 73 Trichoptera 60

Crustacea 20 Hymenoptera 537

Chilopoda: (Centipedes) 32 Diptera 676

Ixodida (Ticks & Mites) 104 Fishes 142

Arachnida (Scorpionidae & Araneae) 249 Amphibia 20

Collembola 31 Reptiles 75

Thysanura 4 Aves 743

Odonata 163 Mammals 100

Plecoptera 20

References

Editor-Director, 2010. Fauna of Uttarakhand, State Fauna Series, 18 (Part-l) 1-621. (Published by the Director, Zool. Surv. India, Kolkata)

Editor-Director, 2010. Fauna of Uttarakhand, State Fauna Series, 18 (Part-2) 1-748. (Published by the Director, Zool. Surv. India, Kolkata)


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Editor-Director, 2010. Fauna of Uttarakhand, State Fauna Series, 18 (Part-3) 1-307. (Published by the Director, Zool. Surv. India, Kolkata) Websites: www.utrenvis.nic.in http://flutters.org/home

As per Government notification No. 999 (E) dated 14.04.2009 issued by the then Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India 31 species of flora and fauna have been declared as threatened in the state of Uttarakhand.

The mountains in the lower regions of Uttarakhand are covered with moist deciduous forest. Between elevations of 1,500-3,000m, the major natural vegetation consists of Pine, Oak, Rhododendron, Walnut and Larch. Below the snow line, the vegetation consists of forests of Spruce, Fir, Cypress, Juniper and Birch, while above the snow line is Alpine vegetation which includes Mosses, Lichen and a diversity of wildflowers such as Blue Poppies and Edelweiss. Major fauna in the region are Himalayan Bear, Musk Deer, the wild Goat Ghoral, Bharal or Blue Goat, Wolves, Snow Leopards and varieties of deer such as Barking Deer. Avifauna in the region is regarded as one of the richest in the sub-continent, with over 690 species of birds.



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VIsION & MIssION

For effective implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) a Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 has been adopted. This plan provides an overarching and framework

on biodiversity, not only for the biodiversity-related conventions, but for the entire United Nations system and all other partners engaged in biodiversity management and policy development. This plan gas a strategic approach, a shared vision, a mission, and strategic goals and targets ("the Aichi Biodiversity Targets"), that will inspire broad-based action by all Parties and stakeholders. The Strategic Plan also provides a flexible framework for the establishment of national and regional targets and for enhancing coherence in the implementation of the provisions of the Convention and the decisions of the Conference of the Parties, including the programmes of work and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation as well as the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of the Benefits Arising from their Utilization. It will also serve as the basis for the development of communication tools capable of attracting the attention of and engaging stakeholders, thereby facilitating the mainstreaming of biodiversity into broader national and global agendas. A separate Strategic Plan has been adopted for the Biosafety Protocol that will complement the present one for the Convention.

Vision

"Living in Harmony with Nature" where "By 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people."

Mission

The mission of the new plan is to "take effective and urgent action to halt the loss of biodiversity in order to ensure that by 2020 ecosystems are resilient and continue to provide essential services, thereby securing the planet's variety of life, and contributing to human well-being, and poverty eradication. To ensure this, pressures on biodiversity are reduced, ecosystems are restored, biological resources are sustainably used and benefits arising out of utilization of genetic resources are shared in a fair and equitable manner; adequate financial resources are provided, capacities are enhanced, biodiversity issues and values mainstreamed, appropriate policies are effectively implemented, and decision-making is based on sound science and the precautionary approach."

United Nations Organization has declared the years from 2011 to 2020 as the Decade of Biodiversity. The strategic vision of CBD is that by 2020, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people. The CBD has a focused mission to take effective and urgent action to half the loss of biodiversity in order to ensure that by 2020 ecosystem are resilient and continue to provide essential services, thereby securing the planet’s variety of life, and contributing to human well-being and poverty eradication.

The above strategic mission can be achieved by ensuring that pressure on biodiversity are reduced, ecosystem are restored, biological resources are sustainably used and benefits arising out of utilization of genetic resources are shared in a fair and equitable manner, adequate financial resources are provided, capacities are enhanced, biodiversity issues and values are mainstreamed and appropriate policies are effectively implemented.

The Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board strives to achieve the above mission.

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OVeRVIeW OF THe bOARD

Constitution of the BoardAs per section 22 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, every State Government is to establish State Biodiversity Board. Accordingly, the Government of Uttarakhand constituted State Biodiversity Board, Uttarakhand vide Govt. Notification No. 1773/x-2-2006-8(83)/2001 dated 01.04.2006 (Annexure-1).

Reconstitution of the BoardThe Board was reconstituted vide Govt. Notification No. 256/X-3-2013-8(83)/2001 T.C. dated 14.02.2013 (Annexure-2)

Following the reconstitution of the Board, the Government of Uttarakhand in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 22(4) (a) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 nominated Dr. Rakesh Shah as the Chairman of the Board vide Govt. Notification No. dated (Annexure-3).

The Board was reconstituted vide Govt. Notification No. 256/X-3-2013-8(83)/2001 T.C. dated 14.02.2013 as under:

ChairmanNominated by the government

Ex - Officio Members

1. Nominee of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Uttarakhand

2. Director, Livestock Development, Uttarakhand

3. Director, Agriculture Development, Uttarakhand

4. Director, Tribal Welfare, Uttarakhand

5. Officer of Chief Conservator of Forests rank (on deputation)-Member secretary,

Expert Members

1. Director,Herbal Research and Development Institute, Gopeshwar, Chamoli, Uttarakhand

2. Nominee of Director Wildlife Institute of India. Dehradun Uttarakhand

3. Nominee of Director, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi - Katarmal, District - Almora, Uttarakhand

4. Director Botanical Survey of India or his nominated representative

5. Nominee of an NGO deputed by the state government (for 3 years only)

In addition to above following officers can be invited as special invitees in the meeting of the board:

i. Director, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun

ii. Director, Horticulture, Uttarakhand

iii. Director, Fisheries, Uttarakhand

iv. Joint Director, Zoological Survey of India, Dehradun

v. Other experts

Functions of the BoardAs per section 23 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 the functions of the State Biodiversity Board shall be to:

i. Advise the State Government, subject to any guidelines issued by the Central Government, on matters relating to the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of biological resources.

ii. Regulate by granting of approvals or otherwise request for commercial utilization or bio-survey and bio-utilization of any biological resource by Indians.


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iii. Perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this act as may be the prescribed by the State Government. These functions will be included in the Biodiversity Rules of the state as and when they are notified.

Board MeetingsDuring 2014-15 7th and 8th meeting of the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board were held at Dehradun. The seventh board meeting was held on 27-05-2014 and eighth meeting was held on 10-09-2014. Both the meetings were chaired by Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board. The following key issues were discussed during the meeting-

7th Board Meeting (27-05-2014)

1. To facilitate and assist the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in preparation of People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) a few government/non – government institutions have been identified for acting as Technical Support Groups (TSGs). Keeping in view the role of the TSGs, it was decided to recognized these institutions as Technical Support Groups (TSGs).

2. The board was informed about the signing of Letter of Agreement (LoA) between Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board and Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED) on 04-03-2014 regarding implementation of component no. 3 i.e., Access and Benefit Sharing for the development of resilient communities under Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI), a transboundary collaborative project between China, India and Nepal.

3. Approval of various expenditures incurred on activities of the board.

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4. Approval of auditing of accounts of the board by the Chartered Accountant Mr. Sudarshan Sharma and Company for the year 2013-14. It is worth mentioning that the Accountant General had been consulted in the matter and the AG informed that the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board can take a decision regarding auditing of the accounts of the board through any Chartered Accountant.

5. Budget of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board for the year 2014-15 was approved.

6. A new office of the board should be taken on rent due to insufficiency of space in the existing board office.

7. Study on habitat and occurrence of Caterpillar Fungus (Cordyceps species), value chain assessment of identified species, participation in fairs, awareness generation, MoU with various institutions etc.

8th Board Meeting (10-09-2014)

The following key issues were discussed in the meeting:

1. It was brought to the notice of the board that 730 BMCs have been formed till 2013-14.

2. Purchase of one light motor vehicle for the use of the board.

3. It was decided to offer consultancy to Dr. Burfal, Ex-Chairman Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board for carrying out study on Science Policy Interface under the Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative.

4. It was brought to the notice of board that even after six years of submission of draft Uttarakhand Biodiversity Rules, these rules could not be notified by the State Government and, hence, for implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) and Nagoya Protocol (which was about to become operational on 12-10-2014 in the COP-12 meeting in South Korea) there is no option other

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than following Biological Diversity Rules, 2004 issued by government of India. This proposal was approved by the board.

5. Action plan for the declaration of sacred groves as Biodiversity Heritage Sites were discussed. The following sacred groves were selected for being notified as Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) under section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002:

Sacred Groves within Panchayat Forests Sacred Groves within Reserve Forests

Sam Mukhim Sacred grove, Tehri Tadkeshwar Sacred Grove, Pauri

Dhurka Devi Sacred Grove, Almora Thalkedar Sacred Grove, Pithoragarh

It was also decided to prescribe an amount of ` 1,00,000/- per site for carrying out detailed study for being notified as BHS.

6. A draft design of Certificate of Compliance for the purpose of compliance to Access and Benefit Sharing was approved by the board.

7. It was decided to re-designate the incumbent Research Officer (Monitoring and Evaluation) Mr. Dhananjay Prasad as Deputy Director without any additional pay and allowances.

8. Approval of various expenditures incurred by the board.

9. Approval of audited balance sheet and expenditure for the year 2013-14.

10. Approval of proposed budget for the year 2014-15.


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ACTIVITIes OF THe bOARD

Constitution of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)

BMC is one of the three layers of institutions for the implementation of Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the other two being National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and State Biodiversity Boards (SBB).

Under Section 41 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, every local body in the State shall constitute a Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) within its area for the purpose of of promoting conservation, sustainable use, access and benefit sharing and documentation of entire biological diversity present in the area including preservation of habitats, conservation of land races, folk varieties and cultivars, domesticated stocks and breeds of animals and microorganisms and chronicling of knowledge relating to biological diversity.

In rural areas, the term local body refers to the Gram Panchayat or an equivalent body. In urban areas (cities or towns) the local body refers to the Nagar Panchayat, Nagar Palika (Municipalities) and Nagar Nigam (City Corporation). As per the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, a BMC can be set up in any constitutionally and legally recognized institution of self government.

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The act also states that the National Biodiversity Authority and the State Biodiversity Boards shall consult the Biodiversity Management Committees while taking decisions relating to the use of biological resources and the traditional knowledge associated with such resources. The biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) may also levy charges by way of collection fees from any person for accessing or collecting any biological resource for commercial purpose from areas falling within its territorial jurisdiction.

Section 22 of the Biological Diversity Rules, 2004 further states that the Biodiversity Management Committees shall consists of a chairperson and not more than six persons nominated by the local body of whom not less than one third should be women and not less than 18% should belong to the Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes. The Chairperson of the Biodiversity Management Committees shall be elected from amongst the members of the committees in a meeting to be chaired by the Chairperson of the local body and shall have tenure of three years.

Local Biodiversity Fund

There shall be constituted a fund to be called the Local Biodiversity Fund at every area notified by the State Government where any institution of self-government is functioning (Sec 43, Biological Diversity Act, 2002)

This fund shall be used for conservation and promotion of biodiversity in the areas falling within the jurisdiction of the concerned local body and for the benefit of the community in so far such use is consistent with conservation of biodiversity. The management and custody of the fund will be as prescribed by the State Government Therefore, every local body that constitute a BMC shall be responsible for the fund account and shall have to submit an annual report and an audited copy of account to the District Magistrate of the area. Following funds were provided to various BMCs:

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Funds provided to BMCs for preparation of PBRs

Name of Biodiversity Management Committee District Amount Transferred (`)

Biodiversity Management Committee, Mohan Champawat 75,000

Biodiversity Management Committee, Khalia Pithoragarh 75,000

Biodiversity Management Committee, Kothera Pithoragarh 2,00,000

Biodiversity Management Committee, Paali Pithoragarh 2,00,000

Biodiversity Management Committee, Kuntola Pithoragarh 2,00,000

Biodiversity Management Committee, Simalkot Pithoragarh 2,00,000

Biodiversity Management Committee, Himkhola Pithoragarh 2,00,000

Biodiversity Management Committee, Jaykot Pithoragarh 2,00,000

Total 13,50,000

Role and Functions of Biodiversity Management Committees

As per the rule 22(6) of the Biological Diversity Rules, the main function of the BMC is to prepare People’s Biodiversity Registers in consultation with local peoples. This register shall contain comprehensive information on the availability and the knowledge of local biological resources, their medicinal or any other use or nay other traditional knowledge associated with them. The state Biodiversity Board is to guide and provide technical support to the BMC’S in documentation exercise during preparation of PBR. The BMCs would, in addition to the preparation of the People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR), participate in ensuring:

1. Conservation and sustainable utilization of biological resources

2. Eco‐restoration of the local biodiversity

3. Proper feedback to the SBB in the matter of Intellectual Property Right (IPR), traditional knowledge, commercial use of bio-resource and local biodiversity issues, wherever feasible and essential feedback to be provided to the NBA for granting approval to a applicant person/body.

4. Management of heritage sites including heritage trees, animals/ micro organisms etc. And sacred groves and sacred water bodies.

5. Regulation of access to the biological resources and/ or associated traditional knowledge, for commercial and research purposes. The BMC is also supposed to maintain a register giving information about the details of access to biological resources and traditional knowledge granted, details of collection fee imposed and the details of benefit sharing derived and the mode of their sharing.

6. Sharing of usufructs arising out of commercial use of bio‐resources, conservation of traditional varieties/breeds of economically important plants/animals.

7. Biodiversity education and awareness building.

8. Documentation, enable procedure to develop bio‐cultural protocols. The BMC also needs to maintain information about local vaidyas, hakims and traditional healthcare practitioners using the biological resources.

9. Sustainable use and benefit sharing.

BMCs constituted till 31st March, 2015

The formation of BMCs was facilitated by the respective Forest Division having local bodies within its jurisdiction. There are 7956 Gram Panchayat in Uttarakhand where Biodiversity Management Committees have to be constituted. The Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board strives to increase the effort in the formation of the BMC in the coming years.

S. No. Name of District Name of Development Block

Name of the Biodiversity Management Committee

Date of formation

1. Rudraprayag Agastmuni Kyudi 24.08.2014

2. Rudraprayag Agustmuni Jarambad 15.09.2014

3. Pithoragarh Gangolihat Pali 06.07.2014

4. Pithoragarh Gangolihat Simalkot 08.07.20145. Pithoragarh Dharchula Jaikot 15.07.20146. Pithoragarh Dharchula Himkhola 15.07.20147. Pithoragarh Gangolihat Kothera 23.07.20148. Pithoragarh Gangolihat Kuntola 11.08.2014

People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR)The main function of a Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) is to prepare a People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) in consultation with the local people. The PBR shall contain comprehensive information in the format prescribed by the National Biodiversity Authority, on the availability of and the traditional knowledge associated with local biological resource and their medicinal or any other use.

The Biodiversity Management Committee shall receive guidance and technical support from the State Biodiversity Board and the National Biodiversity Authority for the preparation of PBRs. The Registers shall be maintained and validated by the Biodiversity Management Committees.

The preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers is an attempt to record people’s knowledge and perceptions of the status, uses, history, ongoing changes and forces driving these changes in the biological resources of their own localities. It makes way for the creation of biodiversity information system to support a decentralized management of biological resources and organize equitable sharing of benefit arising from the utilization of the resources.


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Traditional Knowledge and PBR

Traditional knowledge of communities also represents the collective wealth of their experience, being passed in most cases from one generation to the next, thereby constituting their intellectual property. As a result, such knowledge is held collectively by each community, access to which is usually governed by customary laws. The role of traditional knowledge extends to agricultural systems, healthcare practices, Medicinal plants, veterinary practices and religious beliefs. The documentation of this knowledge of individuals with regard to biodiversity and its uses is an important part of PBR. With regard to Traditional healthcare systems, every effort is made to identify the person with proven knowledge of local biodiversity and the use of local biological resources including medicinal plants in the treatment of ailments.

The PBR Preparation Exercise

The preparation of a People’s Biodiversity Registers is a participatory process. It involves a detailed consultation with all stakeholders involved particularly the local people, who need to share their common as well as specialize knowledge. One of the first steps for preparing a PBR will be to organize a group meeting to explain the objectives and purpose of the exercise. Different social groups in the village level will be identifies for the purpose of data collection, through detailed questionnaires, focused group discussions with people having knowledge and published secondary information. The guidelines for the Preparation of PBRs issued by the National Biodiversity Authority have prescribed 31 formats or categories under which data has to be recorded.

PBR preparation in Uttarakhand

The National Biodiversity Authority in its guidelines for the preparation of PBRs has called for the formation of Technical Support Groups (TSG) in every district. The TSG shall comprise of officials/


representatives of different subject areas departments like forests, Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary, Fishery etc. Apart from this, representatives of local Educational & research Institutions, autonomous District Councils, NGOs, people of excellence and expertise in biodiversity issues, experts in Traditional Knowledge, Herbal Practitioners etc. may also be included in the District level TSG. State Biodiversity Board (SBB) may also provide necessary training to the TSG of the districts.

The term of reference for these TSGs is to analyze/collect/cross check information provided by people in the territorial area of the BMCs before incorporation in the PBR. Apart from this, examination of confidential information advice on legal protection maintaining a database of local and external experts on biodiversity etc. is also expected from TSG. The TSG shall also assist BMCs with regard to collection of fees, benefits sharing and management of heritage site, sacred groves and water bodies besides PBR related activities. The state Biodiversity Board through these TSGs shall provide guidance & technical support to the BMCs in the preparation and validation of PBR.

In the initial phase, PBR preparation for the biodiversity rich areas was taken up in association with Government Institutions and NGOs. So far following government and non government institutions have been assigned the task of assisting the various BMCs in preparation of the People’s Biodiversity Registers: List of Gram Panchayat & Technical Supporting Groups for PBR Preparation 2014-15.

Details of various BMCs and their Technical Support Groups (TSGs)

S.No. Name of Gram Panchayat Name of Block Technical Support GroupUnder Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSCLDI)

1. Himkhola Dharchula Theater of Education in Mass Society2. Simalkot Gangolihaat Theater of Education in Mass Society3. Jaykot Dharchula Theater of Education in Mass Society4. Kuntola Gangolihaat Theater of Education in Mass Society5. Kothera Gangolihaat Lok Chetna Manch

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S.No. Name of Gram Panchayat Name of Block Technical Support Group6. Paali Gangolihaat Lok Chetna Manch

Under projects funded by National Biodiversity Authority7. Jaurasi Ramgarh Sri Ram Utthan Samiti8. Bhorsa Bhimtal SUVIDHA 9. Matela Champawat SUVIDHA

10. Baarsu Bhatwari SAMVEDI11. Raithal Bhatwari SAMVEDI12. Gaul Naugaav SAMVEDI13. Banadi Chinyalisaud SAMVEDI14. Gadoli Chinyalisaud SAMVEDI15. Dudhai Sahaspur SAMVEDI16. Kharsali Bhatwari SAMVEDI17. Champa Hawalbagh Lok Chetna Manch18. Devtauli Bageshwar Lok Chetna Manch19. Kunera Bageshwar Lok Chetna Manch20. Pokhri Garur Lok Chetna Manch21. Jauk Garur Lok Chetna Manch22. Badiyakot Kapkot Lok Chetna Manch23. Majhkhet Kapkot Lok Chetna Manch24. Satgarh Kanalichina Uttarapath Sewa Sanstha

Bio-cultural Community Protocol (BCP)

The Nagoya Protocol provides for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) for use of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources. Section 12(1) of the protocol requires that domestics laws must take into account the customary laws, community protocols and procedures of Indigenous and Local Communities (ILCs). Article 12(3)(a) emphasizes the importance of community protocols in relation to

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access to traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of such knowledge. Besides this the contracting parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) like India are expected to take measures to ensure the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) of communities and fair and equitable benefit sharing as mentioned above. In this background a community protocol becomes necessary to ensure that the benefits of local bio-resources and traditional knowledge accrue to local right holders when access is granted to external actors like bio-prospectors, companies, Government agencies, researchers and conservation organizations and that benefits are shared in an equitable manner.

Bio-cultural Community Protocols (BCPs) are instruments that set out clear terms and conditions to governments and the private, research, and non-profit sectors for engaging with indigenous and local communities (ILCs) and accessing their local resources and knowledge. These protocols raise awareness and understanding of the customary rights of ILCs in relation to the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge. As such this document increases the capacity of ILCs to negotiate at the time of bio prospecting. Many ILCs have their protocols which are either orally held or written rules and procedures that regulate conduct and interactions within their community and with outsiders in respect of natural resources on which they depend. Thus such protocols are a part of their cultural heritage for generations. The advantage of a bio-cultural community protocol is that it reflects community norms and is location specific and flexible. It may contain folk tales, written documents, and even cultural performances reflecting bio-cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. Bio cultural Community protocol aims to

�� Bridge the gap between the customary laws and institutions of communities on one hand, and national or international frameworks for management of natural resources on the other

�� Provide clarity and a measure of legal certainty for users of resources and traditional knowledge (for example bio-prospectors, bio-trade companies or research institutes), and help to build dialogues and long-term partnerships between users and communities

�� Trigger community discussions on their aspirations and enhance awareness about the communities’ values, rights and obligations regarding their resources

The process of developing BCPs varies across communities. However, the process must address the five following broad questions related to ABS and affiliated international and domestic legal frameworks (Bavikatte and Jonas 2009):

�� What are the community’s spiritual, cultural, and ecological norms, as well as traditional knowledge, that ensure the conservation of biological diversity?

�� How is knowledge shared among and between members of the community?

�� What are the local challenges?

�� How can the International Regime on Access and Benefit Sharing (IRABS) and concomitant national laws be used by ILCs to ensure the protection and promotion of their bio-cultural way of life?

�� Assuming ABS is only a partial answer to the above questions, what other laws and policies are available to the community to realize the promise of Article 8(j) of the CBD on traditional knowledge, innovations and practices

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Keeping the biological and cultural diversity of the communities in mind a BCP may have following components:

�� A self-definition of the group or community and its leadership and decision-making processes

�� A description of how they promote in situ conservation of either indigenous plants or indigenous breeds of livestock, wildlife, and water resources, with details of those natural resources

�� The links between their customary laws and bio-cultural ways of life

�� Their spiritual understanding of nature

�� Their ways and means of knowledge sharing

�� Their decision-making process in accessing resources and knowledge

�� What constitutes free, prior informed consent to access their lands/resources or traditional knowledge

�� Their local challenges

�� Their rights according to national and international law

�� A call to various stakeholders to respect their customary laws, their community protocol, and a statement of the various types of assistance needed by the community

Community members need to be involved in all the steps to ensure ownership of the protocol Following steps are followed in preparing the BCP:

1. Selecting a site

2. Conducting a literature review on the existing customs and customary usage, if such information is already available, and validating this with the community

3. Holding a meeting at the site

4. Generating on site awareness among the community of BCPs and their value

5. Conducting a participatory rural appraisal at the site

6. Identifying a local community-based organization (CBO) and community facilitator trusted by the community to facilitate the process and identifying a technical support group

7. Obtaining the free, prior informed consent (FPIC) of the community to take part in the process

8. Conducting research to understand the community, its bioresources, customary laws, and institutions including customs on the use of forests, pastures, water, non-timber forest products, and knowledge generation and sharing mechanisms

9. Holding internal discussions and consultations among the community to develop the content of the protocol on cultural values, the roles and responsibilities of communities, customary laws, and resource rights

10. Conducting legal research to identify national and international laws and bylaws that support the customary rights and community priorities identified

11. Analyzing and validating information in consultation with experts at the local level and others

12. Preparing a draft protocol and making it available in local language(s)

13. Review and finalization of the draft by the community

14. The digitalization and handing over of the BCP document to the community for their custodianship

During the year 2013-14 following Bio-cultural Community Protocols were prepared under Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSCLDI), a trans-boundary project between China, Nepal and India:

S. no. Gram Panchayat technical Support Group

1. Himkhola Theater for Education in Mass society

2. Simalkot Theater for Education in Mass society

3. Jaikot Theater for Education in Mass society

4. Kuntola Theater for Education in Mass society

5. Paali Lok Chetna Manch

6. Kothera Lok Chetna Manch

Information documented in People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs)

The preparation of the People’s Biodiversity has been done by Biodiversity Management Committees with facilitation from the board and the assistance of Technical Support Groups. At present, two Non-Governmental organizations have been engaged for the preparation of the People’s Biodiversity Registers namely Theater of Education in Mass Society, Pithoragarh and Lok Chetna Manch, Ranikhet. The preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR) in these six Gram Panchayat has facilitated under the Kailash Sacred Landscape Initiative (KSLCDI) funded by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal.

Following table provides brief information about various biodiversity extracted from documentation exercise in six Gram Panchayat, chosen under the Project


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S.No. Biodiversity Gram PanhayatKuntola Simalkot Himkhola Jaikot Kothera Paali

1. Agriculture 118 123 117 118 82 1182. Domestic 68 70 70 85 27 323. Wild 263 265 285 285 156 182

Accomplished projects

Sacred Groves and Biodiversity Heritage Sites

Sacred groves often represent a positive interface between nature, culture, society and technologies. Declaring such areas as BHS should not only be a matter of pride for the local community but should also contribute to the objectives of both conservation and livelihood security.

The Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board facilitated a survey for a period of 6 months under the project entitled ‘Preliminary Assessment of Sacred Forest outside Reserve Forest or Protected Areas’ for the establishment of Biodiversity Heritage Sites in 8 specific Sacred Groves across Kumaun and Garhwal region. The grants were made in response to the application made by Dr. C.S. Negi, Asst. Professor, Dept of Zoology, LSM Government Postgraduate College, Pithoragarh. Findings from the preliminary assessment and study of the following selected grooves were done to help State Biodiversity Board to notify these areas as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS), as provided under section 37 (1) of the Biological Diversity Act 2002.

Sacred Groves within Panchayat Forests

Kumaun Region Garhwal Region

Chamunda Sacred Forest, Gangolihat (Pithoragarh)Hokara Devi (Pithoragarh District)Akhil Taraini Sacred Forest (Champawat district)Lohathal Dedicated Forest (Bageshwar district)Dhurka Devi Sacred Forest (Almora district)

Maanhat Sacred Forest (Dehradun district)Sem Mukhim Nag Sacred Forest (Tehri Garhwal)Latu Devta Sacred Grave ( Chamoli district)

Sacred Groves within Reserve Forests

Kumaun Region Garhwal RegionThalkedar sacred forest (Pithoragarh district)Deo Guru Sacred Forest (Nainital district)Kalsin (Dhakna Village) sacred forest (Champawat district)Dholina Sacred Forest (Bageshwar district)Shyahi/ Shyama Devi Sacred Forest (Almora District)

Thatyur Sacred Forest (Dehradun Forest)Madhkeshwar Sacred Forest (Uttarkashi District)Tarkeshwar Sacred Forest (Pauri Garhwal)Haryali Devi Sacred Forest (Rudraprayag District)

Proposed Action

Considering their potential, following four sites have been shortlisted for taking further action for being declared as Biodiversity Heritage Site

Sacred Groves within Panchayat Forests within Sacred Groves within Reserve Forests

Sam Mukhim Sacred Grove, Tehri Tadkeshwar Sacred Grove, Pauri

Dhurka Devi Sacred Grove, Almora Thalkedar Sacred Grove, Pithoragarh

Initiation of work for development of model BMC, preparation of PBR in Dudhai, Timli and Misaraj Patti Gram Panchayats, District Dehradun

For the purpose of developing model BMCs and preparation of PBRs Dudhai, Timli and Misaraj Patti Gram Panchayats in district Dehradun were chosen. The funds for this purpose were sourced from forests department of Uttarakhand under Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). The BMCs in these Gram Panchayats are being assisted by TSG of SAMVEDI. It is worthwhile to mention that BMC at Dudhai was visited by international delegates from five countries during regional workshop at Dehradun during 24-27 November, 2014 and Nepalese Officials in November, 2014.

Ongoing projects

Kailash sacred landscape development initiative (KSLCDI)

Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI) is a long-term collaborative programme of three countries (i.e., China, India and Nepal) which targets over 31,000 sq km area at the tri-junction of South-western portion of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China that includes Kailash-Mansarovar area, north-eastern part of Uttarakhand (India), and far-western districts of Nepal. Considering the, bio-cultural, geohydrological and ecological significance of this area, and recognizing the intense vulnerability of local inhabitants owing to limited livelihood opportunities, and more importantly realizing the historical and socio-cultural linkages across the borders, the three countries have agreed and decided to work together towards long-term conservation and development of this region following the concept of regional transboundary cooperation and approaches of ecosystem management. The programme is being facilitated at the regional level by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), an intergovernmental organization based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The programme is being supported by GIZ and UK-Aid. Broad objectives of this programme are:

i. To strengthen trans-boundary regional cooperation by institutionalizing the elements of the regional cooperation framework,

ii. To mainstream sustainable ecosystem management approaches and practices into national policies and plans in the context of climate change adaptation in KSL at all levels,

iii. To build the capacity of key institutions for long-term environmental monitoring and socio-economic research for better plan and decision making, and

iv. To engage local communities and policy makers in achieving the transboundary cooperation, exchange knowledge and good practices in the areas of biodiversity conservation and development.

In each country, the programme is being implemented collaboratively by the well established national institutions, government agencies and the Non Governmental Organizations. In India, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development (GBPIHED), an Autonomous Institute of Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Government of India has been identified as the lead coordinating Institute. Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehra Dun; Central Himalayan Environment Association (CHEA), Nainital; Uttarakhand Forest Department (UKFD) and Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board (UBB) are the national partners for programme implementation. In Nepal, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, and Research Centre for Advancement of

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Science and Technology (RECAST), and in China Institute of Geography and Natural Resources within Chinese Academy of Sciences are the lead agencies to implement the programme.

Presently KSLCDI is being piloted in selected sites of Pithoragarh District in Uttarakhand, Api-Nampa Conservation Area (ANCA) in Darchula District of Nepal and Mansarovar watershed in China. Besides piloting a few activities at selected localities, it is realized that generating awareness among the local communities, managers, and policy makers about the programme objectives especially towards achieving the trans-boundary cooperation, exchange of knowledge and good practices in the areas of biodiversity conservation and development, is needed.

The landscape is characterized by numerous sacred sites, including high-altitude lakes, snow peaks, and a fine network of religious places across the three countries. Most important among such sites, Holy Mount Kailash and the adjacent Lake Mansarovar (both within the Tibet Autonomous Region) have represented the ultimate pilgrimage destination for as many as five religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Bon – for several millennia. Recognizing the global and regional significance of the KSL, the governments of China, India, and Nepal are working together for the conservation and development of the landscape and its communities. The Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI) promotes collaboration among partner institutions in each country for the sustainable development of the KSL through the ecosystem management approach recommended by the Convention on Biological Diversity.

A Letter of Agreement was signed between representatives Mr. G.S. Pande from Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board (UBB), Member Secretary and Dr. R.S. Rawal, Scientist GF Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED). The Agreement defines the roles and responsibilities of both collaborators in the implementation of the activities of the Component 3 (Access and Benefit Sharing) of the Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI) Programme in India.

© dr. rakesh Shah

Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED) is an autonomous institute of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India. This institute is the lead institution for the implementation of Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI) Programme in India. The Nodal Officer for this project is Dr. Ranbeer S. Rawal, Scientist, GBPIHED.

After finalization of this agreement Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board (UBB) became collaborator in this project, mainly responsible for implementation of the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) component of the project. As per the agreement following are the main works which will be executed by the board:

i. To Investigate and Document Traditional knowledge system on biodiversity resources,

ii. The board will form Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in selected Gram Panchayats situated in Development blocks of Gangolihaat and Dharchula.

iii. The board will facilitate surveys in order to document status of bio-resources and biodiversity. Meetings with stakeholders will be done to raise awareness about objectives, role and constitution of BMCs. Technical Support Groups will be identified and trained for documentation of biodiversity in form of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs). The board will also get the PBRs validated after proper authentication from state level expert group.

iv. Strengthening institutional capacities regarding the ABS mechanism.

v. Preparation of awareness raising materials on access to bio-resources and Indigenous/traditional knowledge and ongoing processes.

vi. Identification and training of key civil societies organizations, NGOs, government institutions, including educational institutes, local service provider etc. ABS related issues. For awareness raising ABS toolkit would be prepared and published in bilingual language

vii. Engaging experts for study of science policy interface.

Biodiversity Strategy & Action PlanIntroduction

In the Convention’s first Strategic Plan, adopted in 2002, the parties committed themselves “to a more effective and coherent implementation of the three objectives of the convention to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on Earth”. The purpose of the strategic plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 is to promote effective implementation of the Convention through a strategic approach, a shared vision, a mission, and strategic goals and targets. It also provides a flexible framework for the establishment of National and regional targets.

The 2010 biodiversity target could not be achieved and the diversity of genes, species and ecosystems continued to decline. Scientific consensus projects a continuing loss of habitats and high rates of extinctions throughout this century, if the current trends persist. At their 10th meeting, held from 18th to 29th October 2010 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, the Conference of Parties to the Convention

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on Biodiversity adopted the Strategic Plan for biodiversity, including the Aichi Biodiversity targets for 2011-2020.

This requires actions at multiple entry points which need to be reflected in the goals of Strategic Plan. The vision of the strategic plan is a world of ‘’living on harmony with nature’’ where ‘’ By 2050 biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people”

The mission of the strategic plan is to “take effective and urgent action to half the loss of biodiversity in order to ensure that by 2020, ecosystems are resilient and continue to provide essential services, thereby securing the planets variety of life and contributing to the human well being and poverty eradication. To ensure this, pressure on biodiversity are reduced, ecosystems are restored, biological resources are sustainably used and benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources are shared in a fair and equitable manner, adequate financial resources are provided, capacities are enhanced, biodiversity issues and values mainstreamed, appropriate policies are effectively implemented and decision making is based on sound science and the precautionary approach”.

The goals and targets encompass the aspirations for achievement at the global level as well as provide flexible framework for the establishment of national or regional targets. Parties are expected to set their own targets within this flexible framework, taking into account national needs and priorities also bearing in mind national contributions to the achievement of the global targets. The strategic plan includes 20 headline targets organized under five strategic goals.

Strategic Plan for biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi targets "living in harmony with nature”

Strategic Goal A:

Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by main streaming biodiversity across government and society.

Target 1

By 2020, at the latest, people are aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably.

Target 2

By 2020, at the latest, biodiversity values have been integrated into national and local development and poverty reduction strategies and planning processes and are being incorporated into national accounting, as appropriate, and reporting systems.

Target 3

By 2020, at the latest, incentives, including subsidies, harmful to biodiversity are eliminated, phased out or reformed in order to minimize or avoid negative impacts, and positive incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are developed and applied, consistent and in harmony with the Convention and other relevant international obligations, taking into account national socio economic conditions.

Target 4

By 2020, at the latest, Governments, business and stakeholders at all levels have taken steps to achieve or have implemented plans for sustainable production and consumption and have kept the impacts of use of natural resources well within safe ecological limits.

Strategic Goal B:

Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use

Target 5

By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought close to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced.

Target 6

By 2020 all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and applying ecosystem based approaches, so that overfishing is avoided, recovery plans and measures are in place for all depleted species, fisheries have no significant adverse impacts on threatened species and vulnerable ecosystems and the impacts of fisheries on stocks, species and ecosystems are within safe ecological limits.

Target 7

By 2020 areas under agriculture, aquaculture and forestry are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation of biodiversity.

Target 8

By 2020, pollution, including from excess nutrients, has been brought to levels that are not detrimental to ecosystem function and biodiversity.

Target 9

By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment.

Target 10

By 2015, the multiple anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs, and other vulnerable ecosystems impacted by climate change or ocean acidification are minimized, so as to maintain their integrity and functioning.

Strategic Goal C:

To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity

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Target 11

By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes.

Target 12

By 2020 the extinction of known threatened species has been prevented and their conservation status, particularly of those most in decline, has been improved and sustained.

Target 13

By 2020, the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and of wild relatives, including other socio-economically as well as culturally valuable species, is maintained, and strategies have been developed and implemented for minimizing genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity.

Strategic Goal D:

Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services

Target 14

By 2020, ecosystems that provide essential services, including services related to water, and contribute to health, livelihoods and well-being, are restored and safeguarded, taking into account the needs of women, indigenous and local communities, and the poor and vulnerable.

Target 15

By 2020, ecosystem resilience and the contribution of biodiversity to carbon stocks has been enhanced, through conservation and restoration, including restoration of at least 15 per cent of degraded ecosystems, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and to combating desertification.

Target 16

By 2015, the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization is in force and operational, consistent with national legislation.

Strategic Goal E:

Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building

Target 17

By 2015 each Party has developed, adopted as a policy instrument, and has commenced implementing an effective, participatory and updated national biodiversity strategy and action plan.

Target 18

By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary use of biological resources, are respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention with the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities, at all relevant levels.

Target 19

By 2020, knowledge, the science base and technologies relating to biodiversity, its values, functioning, status and trends, and the consequences of its loss, are improved, widely shared and transferred, and applied.

Target 20

By 2020, at the latest, the mobilization of financial resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 from all sources, and in accordance with the consolidated and agreed process in the Strategy for Resource Mobilization should increase substantially from the current levels. This target will be subject to changes contingent to resource needs assessments to be developed and reported by Parties.

National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan

Article 6 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) mandates each Party to prepare a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Alan (NBSAP) or an equivalent instrument, and to ensure that this strategy is mainstreamed into relevant sectoral or cross-sectoral plans, programmes and policies. NBSAPs are the principal instruments for implementing the Convention at the national level. Accordingly, the Government of India developed a National Policy and Macro-level Action Strategy on Biodiversity in 1999 within five years of ratifying the CBD. This document, prepared through an extensive consultative process involving various stakeholders, is a macro level statement of policies and strategies needed for conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Subsequently, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) implemented an externally-aided project, the NBSAP, from 2000 to 2004. Following India's adoption of the National Environment Policy (NEP) in 2006, a National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) was prepared in 2008 by updating the 1999 document for achieving consonance between the NBAP and the NEP 2006. Even though the NBAP 2008 was prepared prior to the adoption of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity (SP) 2011-2020 and its 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets by the Conference of Parties (CoP) to the CBD in 2010 at Nagoya, Japan, the NBAP is broadly aligned with the five Strategic Goals and the 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets of SP. The CoP-10 to the CBD has urged Parties to develop national and regional targets, using Strategic Plan for Biodiversity (SP) and its targets as a flexible framework, in accordance with national priorities and capacities. Since India has prepared her second generation of NBAP in 2008, it was decided that the NBAP need not be completely overhauled or revised, but an exercise be undertaken of updating the NBAP by developing NBTs keeping in view the Aichi Biodiversity Targets as a framework. Accordingly, in pursuance to the decision of CoP-10, India has prepared 12 NBTs using the SP for Biodiversity 2011-2020 as the broad framework. These 12 targets which provide a roadmap for achieving the Aichi targets are as under:

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National Biodiversity Target 1

By 2020, a significant proportion of the country's population, especially the youth, is aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably.

National Biodiversity Target 2 By 2020, values of biodiversity are integrated in National and State planning processes, development programmes and poverty alleviation strategies.

National Biodiversity Target 3 Strategies for reducing rate of degradation, fragmentation and loss of all natural habitats are finalized and actions put in place by 2020 for environmental amelioration and human well-being.

National Biodiversity Target 4 By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and strategies to manage them developed so that populations of prioritized invasive alien species are managed.

National Biodiversity Target 5 By 2020, measures are adopted for sustainable management of agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

National Biodiversity Target 6 Ecologically representative areas on land and in inland waters, as well as coastal and marine zones, especially those of particular importance for species, biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved effectively and equitably, on the basis of PA designation and management and other area-based conservation measures and are integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes, covering over 20% of the geographic area of the country, by 2020.

National Biodiversity Target 7 By 2020, genetic diversity of cultivated plants, farm livestock and their wild relatives, including other socioeconomically as well as culturally valuable species, is maintained, and strategies have been developed and implemented for minimizing genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity.

National Biodiversity Target 8 By 2020, ecosystem services, especially those relating to water, human health, livelihoods and wellbeing, are enumerated and measures to safeguard them are identified, taking into account the needs of women and local communities, particularly the poor and vulnerable sections.

National Biodiversity Target 9 By 2015, Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization as per the Nagoya Protocol are operational, consistent with national legislation.

National Biodiversity Target 10 By 2020, an effective, participatory and updated national biodiversity action plan is made operational at different levels of governance.

National Biodiversity Target 11 By 2020, national initiatives using communities' traditional knowledge relating to biodiversity are strengthened, with a view to protecting this knowledge in accordance with national legislations and international obligations.

National Biodiversity Target 12 By 2020, opportunities to increase the availability of financial, human and technical resources to facilitate effective implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 and the national targets are identified and the Strategy for Resource Mobilization is adopted.

Uttarakhand Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (BSAP)

BSAP for state of Uttarakhand proposes to arrest the alarming decline & loss of biodiversity in the state. It further seeks to protect, preserve, maintain and enhance biological diversity both for is intrinsic and consumptive value for present and future generations. The biodiversity strategy for the state is based on a vision of protection of biodiversity and ecological processes rather than their exploitation as the basis for the state and for the country’s ecological and economic stability.

Goals

Conservation of the natural heritage of the state by conservation and protection of all the unique, biodiversity rich and fragile ecosystems of the State including forests, agriculture, grasslands, wetlands

and mountain ecosystems and their species including wild and domesticated biodiversity, genetic resources and ecological and environmental processes.

�� Primacy to be given to in-situ conservation of the state’s biological and cultural diversity located both within and outside the State’s protected areas, at both macro and micro level and maintenance or recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings.

�� The ex-situ conservation of flora, fauna and faunal genetic resources outside their natural habitats and the adoption of ex-situ measures as supplementary of in-situ conservation.

�� Sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources.

�� Pursuit of a landscape and ecosystem approach.

�� Culturally sensitive conservation and management that recognizes and protects traditional knowledge and resource use.

�� Creation of a just and equitable society based on sustainable resource use.

General Strategy

The proposed strategy of biodiversity conservation in Uttarakhand includes following key elements:

1. Water conservation in hilly areas should be given special attention in the development plan and policy of the state. Provide protection to wetlands and springs.

2. Focus on soil and water conservation measures for degraded areas of the State. Adopt traditional water harvesting, management and conservation systems, near stream area management and initiate regular ground and surface water monitoring activities.

3. Measures for conservation of soil should be taken.

© dhananjay Prasad

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4. Protection of various habitats and eco-systems of conservation value including following landscape approach to biodiversity conservation and Creation of mini core areas.

5. Reduce inter-departmental conflicts and contradictions in programmes and policies in Protected Areas (PAs).

6. Control of weed proliferation and forest fire

7. Convert monoculture plantations into poly-culture plantations for enhanced biodiversity management.

8. Enhancing protection measures to combat poaching threats

9. Deal with trans-border issues effectively by enhancing international cross border cooperation between India and Nepal

10. Improve fodder availability from forest lands - Boost production of fodder - Ensure fodder security for pastoral and agricultural communities.

11. Carry out detailed Non Wood Forests Products (NWFP) surveys to determine distribution, demands, markets and supply - Encourage cultivation of NWFPs and medicinal plants - Establish Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas

12. Develop and expand the use of alternative energy technologies and substitutes

13. Create a network of zoological parks in Uttarakhand - Rehabilitation, reintroduction and planned conservation breeding–Involve local communities in zoo management.

14. Strategies for conservation of agriculture diversity - promote agro-ecological and agro-diversity education - work on land consolidation in hills needs immediate attention-Improve Market Intervention - develop food, Nutrition and livelihood security

15. Develop policies to preserve traditional agriculture system Institutionalize Organic Farming at State level-ensure secure tenure of Farmers, Pastoralists, and Fisher folk over Land/Water

16. Encourage the replacement of chemical fertilizers with organic ones through Integrated Nutrient Management - Stop usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in catchment areas-Initiate and promote the system of Integrated Pest Management.

17. Documentation of agro biodiversity through Community Seed Register-Establishment of a Network of Community Seed Banks:

18. Provide market to the local crop products and declare their product as Organic to catch the international market.

19. Development of Integrated Land Use Planning and Policy for the State based on a landscape approach.

20. Carry out programmes for ecosystem rehabilitation and recovery

21. Integration of developmental planning and biodiversity concerns - Integrate biodiversity considerations in cross sectoral development plans

22. Establish one or more long-term monitoring plots in key habitats

23. Update inventories of flora and fauna for the protected areas and forest divisions of the State

24. Ensure management and resolution of people animal conflict

25. Enhance capacity building and training on biodiversity conservation at the level of the Panchayat - Generate awareness amongst the general public

26. Use religious, cultural and traditional activities and symbolism to promote the message of biodiversity

27. Educate local people of their rights Vis a Vis intellectual property rights

The above list proposed in the strategies is indicative and not exhaustive. However consequent upon adoption of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity (SP) 2011-2020 and its 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets by the Conference of Parties (CoP) to the CBD in 2010 at Nagoya, Japan the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) is broadly aligned with the five Strategic Goals and the 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets of SP. Using the Strategic Plan as a framework, India has now developed 12 National Biodiversity Targets. In the light of this Uttarakhand Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (BSAP) which is still a draft is being realigned with the NBAP.

Celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity 2014The day 22nd May is celebrated as the International Day for Biological Diversity in each of the 194 countries which are party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22nd May as the International Day for Biological Diversity. By February 1991, the Ad Hoc Working Group had become known as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to prepare the draft on this Convention. Its work culminated on 22 May 1992 with the Nairobi Conference for the adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. To commemorate this day 22nd May is celebrated as the International Biodiversity Day.

Every year, CBD declares a theme for its celebration and the theme for 2014 was ‘Island Biodiversity’, for highlighting these ecosystems that are rich in biodiversity yet environmentally fragile and economically vulnerable to climate change. Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board celebrates the International Day for Biological Diversity each year focusing primarily on raising awareness among the people on the subject of biodiversity. This year the highlights of celebration of International Biodiversity Day (IBD) 2014 in Uttarakhand was as follows:

i. State level function was organized in the auditorium of the Indian Council for Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE), Dehradun. This included talk on biodiversity and photography competition

ii. 'Green Wave' at Malsi Deer Park in Dehradun. This included pledge by school children and painting competition. Children from 15 schools participated in the programme

iii. Celebration of contribution of farmers in conservation of agro biodiversity in Pithoragarh

iv. Celebration by Chakrata Forest Division at Aasan Conservation Reserve, Rampur Mandi, Kalsi, Dehradun

v. Celebration by Nainital Forest Division at Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo and Himalayan Botanical Garden, Nainital

vi. Celebration by Kedarnath Wildlife Division at Gopeshwar, Chamoli

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The details are as under:

State Level Programme

The main programme celebrating the International Biodiversity Day, 22nd May, 2014 was organized by the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board in the auditorium of the Indian Council for Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE), Kaulagarh, Dehradun. Mr. Dinesh Agarwal, Hon’ble Minister, Environment and Forests, Government of Uttarakhand was the chief guest on the occasion. The event commenced with an introduction by Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board welcoming all invited guests, including officers of the different departments of the State Government of Uttarakhand, probationers of Indian Forests Service, trainees of State Forests Service, scientists, experts, students of Forest Research Institute Deemed University, Doon University, officers and front line staff of forest department, members of Biodiversity Management Committees of various districts and the members of the print and electronic media. The programme was held in the august presence of Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, Mr. S.S. Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttarakhand, Dr. S.P. Singh, formal Vice Chancellor of Garhwal University and Mr. Threesh Kapoor, a renowned photographer.

Mr. Threesh Kapur, a renowned photographer followed the welcome address with a slideshow of his unique photographs taken across the State of Uttarakhand, highlighting the beauty and biodiversity of the state.

Dr. S.P. Singh, Former Vice Chancellor delivered the key-note address on the occasion. He gave a presentation which covered various issues related to biodiversity conservation, climate change and Island Biodiversity wherein he described with the help of facts and figures the various unique aspects of an island ecosystem. Some of the facts stated by him are as follows:

Over 10% of the world’s population (600 Million) lives in around 100,000 islands of the world, which make up for just over 3% of the global surface area. Half of the 724 recorded animal extinctions in


the last 400 years have been those of island species and over 90% of the recorded extinctions in the bird species were from islands. As per scientists 12 out of 18 centers of marine endemism are around islands.

Islands are defined as lands isolated by surrounding water and with a high proportion of coast to hinterland. Sizes of Islands may wary from 0.151 sq. km. to the size of Greenland, which is 2.2 million sq. km. Islands are rich reservoirs of mostly endemic and specialized species, as they evolve in isolation. For example, Hawaiian islands have over 90% endemism, Mauritius has over 50% endemism and Madagascar has over 8000 endemic species. The islands of Seychelles have the highest recorded number of endemic amphibians in the world. The reason for this high endemism is that species that arrive in islands are able to find many unoccupied niches and are allowed to flourish due to the lack of competition and predators that are more common in the main lands. After their arrival at the islands, the species show adaptive radiation, i.e. diversification of species subsequent to colonization to fill the empty niches. For example Darwin’s Finch species on the Galapagos Islands diversified in beak size to exploit the diversity of seeds.

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, in his address, explained the importance of biological diversity in India and in Uttarakhand. He also went on to explain the various provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (enacted in 2003) emphasizing on the importance of People’s Biodiversity Registers and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated knowledge.

Mr. S.S. Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttarakhand addressed the gathering and explained as to why we need to give importance to biological diversity and the factors adversely affecting biodiversity in India and in the State.

Mr. Dinesh Agarwal, Hon’ble Minister of Forests, Government of Uttarakhand, in his address highlighted the richness of biodiversity and biological resources and the ecosystem services that these provide. He also expressed concern over the disappearing floral and faunal species. He also gave a few examples to illustrate his concerns. He stated that in order to take the first step at saving the planet, one needs to start from one’s own backyard. He accentuated the need to implement conservation measures with increased vigor.

His address was followed by the vote of thanks given by the Mr. Dhananjay Prasad, Deputy Director, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board.

On this occasion Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board had organized a photography competition. Entries had been invited for participation through advertisements in various local newspapers. The themes for this competition were:

1. Biodiversity and Culture in Uttarakhand

2. Landscape and People of Uttarakhand

The selected entries were displayed on this day at the event site outside the ICFRE auditorium for the audience to appreciate. Following photographers were adjudged winners of the competition:

1. Theme 1 - Biodiversity and Culture in Uttarakhand

2. Theme 2 - Landscape and People of Uttarakhand

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A prize distribution was carried out at the event, with the Chief Guest, Sri Dinesh Agarwal giving away the cash prizes and certificates to the winners. The first, second and third prizes were ` 5,000/-, ` 3,000/- and ` 2,000/- respectively.

The programme started with signing of following pledge prescribed by National Biodiversity Authority. All the school children participated by taking pledge in Hindi and signed it.

mRrjk[k.M tSofofo/krk cksMZUTTARAKHAND BIODIVERSITY BOARD mÙkjk[k.M 'kklu

thou ds fy;s izfrKk

Lohdkj djuk fd i`Foh ij ekStwn thou dh fofo/krk ls gh esjk] esjs ifjokj ,oa fo'o ds vU; ukxfjdksa dk vfLrRo laHko gSA

;g ekuuk fd gekjh tSo fofo/krk dks lqjf{kr j[kus ds fy;s gesa ftEesnkjhiw.kZ O;ogkj djus dh vko';drk gSA

i`Foh ij ekStwn gekjs ikS/kksa] thoksa vkSj vU; ltho Lo:iksa dh c<+rh gqbZ gkfu ds izfr izfrfØ;k n'kkZukA

esjs vkl&ikl gks jgs tSo fofo/krk ds mi;ksx o mfpr izca/ku ds izfr vius nkf;Ro dks Lohdkj djukA

eSa i`Foh ij csgrj thou ds fy;s fuEufyf[kr fl¼karksa dks leFkZu nsrs gq, izfrKk ysrk@ysrh gw¡ fd%

tSfod lalk/kuksa ds laj{k.k ,oa muds fVdkÅ izca/ku dks c<+kok feysA

eSa Lo;a og cnyko cuw¡ tks eSa nwljksa esa ns[kuk pkgrk@pkgrh g¡wA

;g lqfuf'pr gks fd i`Foh ij thou lqjf{kr jgsA

eSa laj{k.k ds ykHkksa] ldkjkRed iz;klksa o mi;ksxksa ds izfr yksxksa dks f'kf{kr d:¡xk@d:¡xhA

This was followed by a painting competition for the students of junior (Class 1 to 5), middle (Class 6 to 8) and senior (Class 9 to 12) classes.

Paintings drawn by School Children on the Occasion of Biodiversity Day 2014

Celebration of contribution of farmers in conservation of agro biodiversity in Pithoragarh:

This programme was organized with the participation of Theater for education in Mass Society, Pithoragarh, the Technical Support Group associated with the board and assisting Biodiversity Management Committees in Pithoragarh District. The local farmers were explained the importance of biodiversity in general and agro-biodiversity in particular.

celebration of Biodiversity day by chakrata Forest division at asan conservation reserve, rampur Mandi, kalsi, dehradun:

On the occasion of Biodiversity Day, a painting and Essay competition was organised in which 40 students participated. The topic of essay was “The Asan Conservation Reserve” and theme of painting was “Biodiversity of Asan Conservation Reserve”. The Chief Guest of the event was Conservator of Forests Yamuna Circle, Dehradun. The session was followed by a musical performance given by Mrs. Kaul and her students from Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, Dehradun. The performance was heart touching and praised by all participants. Prize distribution was done in the end. The prizes were given away by Conservator of Forests Yamuna Circle, Dehradun and Divisional Forests Officer, Chakrata.

Celebration of Biodiversity Day by Nainital Forest Division at Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo and Himalayan Botanical Garden, Nainital:

A conference was held on the occasion. The conference was attended by Conservator of Forests, South Kumaun Circle, Nainital, Divisional Forests Officer Nainital, Dr. Ajay S. Rawat, Environmentalist, Ward Members of Municipality, Nainital, Officers and staff of Forests Department.

Celebration of Biodiversity Day by Kedarnath Wildlife Division at Gopeshwar, Chamoli:

The occasion was celebrated by organizing debate competition, essay competition and painting competition. The students of Government Girls Inter College, Gopeshwar and Nalanda Public School, Gopeshwar participated in the programme. The winners of the competition were given cash prizes. Besides this slogan writing was also done along Gopeshwar-Chopta Road.

© dr. rakesh Shah

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HUMAN ResOURCe DeVeLOPMeNT

Workshops, Training Programmes & Conferences�� Capacity Development workshop for Implementation of Biodiversity Act, 2002 in Uttarakhand 7

April, 2014

A capacity development workshop for implementation of Biodiversity Act, 2002 was organized by Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board at Watershed Directorate Hall. This workshop was attended by forty participants from different Government and private institutions and NGOs.

The workshop was aimed to introduce the participants about different dimensions of Biodiversity Conservation provided by Biodiversity Act, 2002 e.g. People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR), Bio-cultural Community Protocol (BCPs) and Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS). Further, discussions were also done with respect to Biodiversity management Committees and People’s Biodiversity Registers preparation in the state.

A series of presentation was provided by different NGOs. This was done in order to analyze the strength and capacity of NGOs which have shown their interest for the preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers.

�� National Orientation Workshop - Programme Awareness and Field Implementation Strategy, Dhangarhi, Nepal (20-23 April, 2014)

Mr. Dhananjay Prasad, Deputy Director, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in this workshop which was conducted under the Kailash Sacred Landscape and Development Initiative (KSLCDI). The workshop was jointly organized by the Ministry of Soil Forest and Soil Conservation (MFSC) & Research Center for Applied Sciences & Technology (RECAST) along with International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The main objective of this workshop was to sensitize field personnel/implementation in four districts of KSL-Nepal for an integrated and result-oriented programme implementation

�� Meeting on development of Biodiversity Park & Ecological Museum at Teenpani, Haldwani (Dist. Nainital); State Uttarakhand in the office of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, Dehradun (08 May, 2014)

Uttarakhand Open University proposed development of Biodiversity Park & Ecological Museum at Teenpani, Haldwani District Nainital. After considering the importance and potential of proposal by

the direction of PCCF, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board in the board office at Dehradun. This meeting was attended by Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, Mr. S.S. Rasaily, Conservator of Forest, (Headquarter), Mr. Dhananjay Prasad Deputy Director and Girija Pande, Professor, Senior Consultant, Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani & Mr. H.C. Joshi, Assistant Professor, Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani. Dr. Girija Pande & Dr. M.P. Melkhania introduced the participants about broad concepts and objectives of the establishment of Biodiversity Park and Museum at Teenpani, Haldwani. A detailed open discussion was facilitated in order to find the and scope of this proposal.

After a brainstorming session important suggestions were provided in order to refine the proposal. It came out strongly that there is a need to develop the above said project as a “model” and that the project should be initiated in 20 Hectares area, which should be extended in future as per the requirement of the project. It was also stressed on inclusion of custom, customary laws, taboos, totems and other forms of traditional, cultural and spiritual knowledge. The title of project should be amended as “Development of Bio–Cultural Diversity Park and Ecological Museum”. The need of amending the “Principal areas of activities” by including activities connected to faunal species like nesting facilities for birds, habitat restoration, introduction of native species of bees, reptiles among others was also pointed out.

All the members unanimously suggested that, this project should be taken as a effort to convert the anthropogenic pressure on the forest land into a trait of asset in the larger interest of ecology, bio-culture, customs, traditions and local peoples and this proposal must essentially address the livelihood issues and elements highlighting crop pest and diseases of Uttarakhand. Further all members felt the need of linking “Training and outreach activities hub activities. All participants proposed that after further discussion with Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttarakhand and due permission of forest department, activation of this project should be initiated jointly with Forest Department with Uttarakhand open university as institutional and knowledge partner.

�� Meeting of State Biodiversity Boards, New Delhi (13th May 2014)

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman Uttarakhand participated in a special meeting of all state Biodiversity Boards to discuss matters related to implementation of the Biodiversity Act and revised guidelines on “Access and Benefit Sharing”. This meeting of all State Biodiversity Boards was organized by National Biodiversity Authority to discuss matters related to implementation of the Biodiversity Act and revised guidelines on “Access and Benefit Sharing”.

�� Orientation Programme on BMC formation and PBR preparation 28th May, 2014

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman Uttarakhand State Biodiversity Board participated in the orientation programme organised by Goa State Biodiversity Board to benefit from experiences of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board in formation of Biodiversity Management Committees, preparation of PBRs and process of notification of Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS).

�� Participation in the Mid Term Review Mission of Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI) (w.e.f. 18 June, 2014)

The representatives of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board interacted with the Mid Term Review mission during their visit to Wildlife Institute of India.

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�� Exposure trip of Kailash Sacred Landscape in Tibetan Autonomous Region of China 15-27 July, 2014

Dr. Rakesh Shah was invited by ICIMOD, Nepal to participate in the exposure trip to the Kailash Sacred Landscape in Tibetan Autonomous Region of China under transboundary initiatives of Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development.

This trip was aimed to create a platform for learning on opportunities and Challenges of long term boundary landscape management of Kailash Sacred Landscape, to provide understanding on “Responsible tourism” and its integration in transboundary landscape conservation and Development, providing understanding on environmental, social and cultural norms and their implementation under conservation and Development, facilitate knowledge sharing among the members of KSLCDI partners & reinforcement of existing collaboration with China and Nepal.

�� 2nd ABS Dialogue on Key Challenges and Practical Ways Forward for the Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol (4-6 August, 2014)

Dr. Shah, Chairman Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board attended second meeting organized by National Biodiversity Authority at Goa, to exchange and share experiences of implementation of Nagoya Protocol with Government representatives.

�� Consultative Meeting on Landscape Conservation & Development in Uttarakhand, Dehradun 20 August, 2014

A consultative meeting was organized of senior officials of MoEF, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India (DST), Planning Commission, State Government officials, Research/Training Institutions, ICIMOD and representative of CEO. This meeting was conducting keeping in view the proposed Field visit/Yatra conducted by Mountain Division of MoEF, GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Almora.

The meeting was aimed to share key finding and explore mechanism for larger convergence among various schemes/programmes of MoEF with state schemes and programmes. Along with these, discussions on implementation of guidelines and best practices of Governance of Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (G-SHE) under National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) anchored by DST, Govt. of India was also done. Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in the said meeting.

Framework for Capacity Development of Biodiversity Governance Institutions for Effective Implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Sept 30- 2014, New Delhi Under the Government of India-UNDP project entitled Strengthening “Natural Resource Management” which aims to develop capacities of key Institutions working on Forest, Biodiversity & Wildlife governance to deal with emerging challenges related to Biodiversity Conservation along with it, this project also seeks strengthening capacity of institutions for the effective implementation of the mandate of the convention on Biological Diversity, Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing & Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board and Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in the said meeting.

�� Regional Experts Workshop on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing in Hindu Kush Himalaya (25-27 November, 2014

This workshop on “Access to genetic Resources & Benefit Sharing in Hindu Kush Himalaya” was organized by Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, Dehradun in partnership of International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal which has been involved in developing policies related to biodiversity and supporting the implementation of the objective of Convention of Biodiversity in Hindu Kush Himalaya region since last 29 years.

This was first of its kind international workshop on “Access and Benefit Sharing” in the state. About 50 delegates from Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and India along with other officials from ICIMOD, participated in this workshop. This workshop aimed the following objectives-

i. Bring together regional member countries into a common forum to discuss the progress made in Hindu Kush region and identify common regional issues related to ABS mechanism.

ii. To share experience of countries that has ratified the Nagoya protocol especially on process of having a domestic legislation.

iii. To develop a basic understanding of institutional setup associated mechanism and other requirements for implementation of ABS.

Honorable chief minister of Uttarakhand state, Mr. Harish Rawat welcomed the participants in traditional Atithi-devo-bhavo theme which means “Our guests are like Gods”. He initiated the program by lightning traditional lamp. In his address he focused upon the status of cumulative anthropogenic pressure which has been severely increasing due to exponential increase in population during past few decades which is threatening the sustainability of existing bio-resources. He further introduced the delegates to the rich biological-heritage of Uttarakhand, which includes approximately 1500 species of medicinal plants that are inherent part of traditional and folk system of medicine. He appreciated the efforts of Uttarakhand state Bio diversity Board in formation of 750 BMCs and ongoing process of documentation of local biodiversity in the form of People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) in 56 Gram Panchayats of the state.

Honorable chief Minister stated that in a significant step to empower the BMCs, funds for preparation of PBRs and bio-diversity conservation related work are now being directly transferred to “Local Biodiversity Fund” for utilization by the concerned Biodiversity Management Committee. He started this initiative by distributing cheques to the members of BMCs. At the end he thanked ICIMOD, Nepal for providing the opportunity to Uttarakhand state for organizing this workshop on the important component i.e. access and benefit sharing system which is directly related to livelihood support and conservation of biodiversity. He conveyed his best wishes to delegates and urged them to learn and enhance mutual understanding and brotherhood during their stay.

Dr. Rajan Kotru, ICIMOD provided remarks on the objectives of the workshop, his address was followed by the recitation of message by Mr. Hem Pande, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change & Chairman, National Biodiversity Authority.

Dr. R.S Rawal, Scientist, Govind Ballabh Pant Institution of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED) proposed vote of thanks to the delegates and guests. This was followed by technical sessions that included topics as under:

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i. Sharing Country Experiences in the HKH: Connecting for wider impact. In this session, Dr. Krishna P Oli presented a powerpoint presentation on Nagoya Protocol-the global perspectives and HKH relevancy.

ii. Experiences sharing from Indian Himalayan States - Leveraging knowledge on access to genetic resources and benefit sharing mechanism by Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board and Mr. Dhananjay Prasad, Deputy Director, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board.

iii. Presentation of key note by Dr. Rajan Kotru, Dr. Eklabya Sharma, Laxmi Dutt Bhatta on Access and Benefit Sharing Mechanism: Connecting the boundaries in the HKH. The session was chaired by China and Co Chaired by Afghanistan.

iv. Video show on Yarsa Gumba (Cordyceps): Transboundary issues in natural resources- India and Nepal

v. Discussion on learning lessons from Indian experiences. This session was chaired by Myanmar and involved the officers from Indian Himalayan States.

vi. Discussion on Roadmap on transboundary cooperation in ratification/implementation of the Nagoya Protocol in the region (Possible Collaboration in the HKH on access to genetic resources and benefit sharing: transboundary cooperation and perspectives.

vii. Five group presented their study results on this subject “Transboundary cooperation on access to genetic resources”.

viii. Summary of common issues and actions for transboundary cooperation by Laxmi Dutta Bhatta. The session was concluded after the closing remarks by Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board.


Closing session was chaired by Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board and Co Chaired by Bhutan.

Visit to Dudhai: The participants were also taken to Dudhai village near Dehradun for interaction with the members of Biodiversity Management Committee. The participants closely observed the work undertaken by committees in the field of biodiversity conservation and management. During this event certificate of appreciation were also distributed to volunteers for playing important part in organizing this workshop.

�� Inputs given in the Micro-plan to Landscape Approach customized for Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL) India (June 2014)

After a series of meeting with Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary assisted by Mr. Dhananjay Prasad, Deputy Director submitted to comments/ observations of the board to International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu (Nepal) for the programme concept to reach the key target of trans boundary cooperation from village to landscape level which is currently evolving. It is envisaged that broadening of institutional delivery networks “vertically” (integration with district and village institutions) as well as “horizontally” (intensification of cooperation with partners from line departments, academia, civil society and private sector) will be engineered with the progress of the planning and implementation in the pilots. Insofar as the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board is concerned all activities which involve commercial use of biological resources will have to be regulated by the board with active involvement of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) as they are also mandated to levy collection charges on anyone using biological resources for commercial gains.

© dhananjay Prasad

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�� Exposure visit to China (15-26 July 2014)

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board was nominated by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India to participate in the exposure trip to upstream of Kailash Sacred Landscape in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), China during 15-26 July, 2014. The objectives of the project were

i. Learning on the opportunities of long term transboundary landscape management of Kailash Sacred Landscape

ii. Improved understanding on the “responsible tourism” and its integration in transboundary landscape conservation and development.

iii. Enhanced understanding of environmental, social and cultural norms and their implementation under conservation and development focus (e.g. rangeland management, interface between forest and rangeland ecosystems, ‘ waste management’, water and energy conservation); and

iv. Knowledge sharing with KSLCDI partners and reinforcement of existing collaboration with key institutions of China and Nepal.

This trip was facilitated and funded by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). After returning from the trip the Chairman commented that it was his lifelong dream to visit the holiest of the holy Mt. Kailash, "The Abode of Lord SADASHIV". ICIMOD has not only fulfilled my this long cherished dream but also has given him the opportunity to see the beautiful landscape of Tibet, know little bit the socio-cultural aspect, beautiful floral and faunal life. Exposure trips like this always cement the bondages between various partners and this trip has also done that. Participant from partner institute WII expressed that it was really high quality exposure trip to see the beautiful landscape and biodiversity of the area.


�� Professional inputs in Mid Career Training of IFS Officers (16 July, 2014)

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board gave professional inputs on recent developments in Biodiversity conservation in India to officers of Indian Forest Service with 7-9 years of service and posted at Deputy Conservator of Forests / District Forest Officer level under the Mid Career Training of IFS Officers. Institutions such as Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education / Forest Research Institute, Dehradun led consortium with its partner institutes, the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow Colorado State University and the Swedish consortium led by Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, have been entrusted with the task of Mid Career Training of Indian Forest Service Officers for Phase-III at Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun. This training session was held on 16 July, 2014 in the academy.

�� Participation in review workshop organized by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)- 17 July, 2014

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in a review workshop organized by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on 17-18 July, 2014 to discuss the Project Implementation Review of various activities under “Mainstreaming conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants diversity in three Indian states” of Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh in Gurgaon.

�� Interaction with Project Preparation Team on Indo-German Technical Cooperation project (28- 29 July, 2014)

Officials of the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board interacted with the project preparation team of Indo-German Technical Cooperation project “Capacity development for effective implementation of the


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ABS mechanism in India” by the National Biodiversity Authority in partnership with The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). This is a Technical Cooperation (TC) project in which Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand have been chosen as the pilot states. The following are the objectives of this project:

i. Awareness raising, sensitization and stakeholder dialogues for creating better understanding and appreciation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and rules by various stakeholders, local bodies, industries and civil societies.

ii. Development of tools, methodologies and guidelines for implementing ABS provisions under the Biological Diversity Act in line with the Nagoya Protocol.

iii. Value chain analysis of selected biological resources for designing and testing ABS arrangements to optimize local appropriation of benefits arising from commercial utilization of biological resources.

iv. Pilot testing mechanism with local value chain approach for developing business case for ABS.

v. Training and capacity building of selected National Biodiversity Authority, selected State Biodiversity Boards and Biodiversity Management Committees in effective management of National Biodiversity Fund, State Biodiversity Fund and Local Biodiversity Fund.

vi. Exchange of learning of lessons learnt domestically as well as internationally for effective implementation of ABS.

�� Participation in 2nd ABS Dialogue on Key Challenges and Practical Way Forward for the Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol at Goa (4- 6 August, 2014)

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in 2nd ABS Dialogue on Key Challenges and Practical Way Forward for the Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol at Goa during on 4-6 August, 2014. The workshop was organized by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India and National Biodiversity Authority. The objective of this dialogue was to provide an opportunity for further exchange amongst government representatives and relevant stakeholders on the implementation of Nagoya Protocol.

�� Consultative Meeting on Landscape Conservation & Development Initiatives in Uttarakhand on 20th August, 2014, at Manthan Hall, Dehradun (20 August, 2014)

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in Consultative Meeting on Landscape Conservation & Development Initiatives in Uttarakhand on 20th August, 2014, at Manthan Hall, Dehradun. The background of this meeting was that the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Govt. of India is supporting implementation of two major landscape scale initiative viz., Kailash Scared Landscape Conservation & Development Initiative (KSLDI), a transboundary cooperation programme between China, India and Nepal being facilitated by ICIMOD, Kathmandu, Nepal, and Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihood Improvement Project (BCRLIP) in Askote Landscape in the state of Uttarakhand under World Bank support.

In view of the consultation at the level of landscape which happened through landscape Yatra by multi-disciplinary teams this consultative meeting of senior officials of MoEF&CC, State Government of

Uttarakhand, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India (DST), Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED), Planning Commission, State Government officials, Research/Training Institutions, ICIMOD and representative of Civil Society Organizations was organized at Dehradun on 20th August, 2014 to share key findings, and explore mechanisms for larger convergence among various schemes/programmes of MoEF&CC with state schemes and programmes. In the meeting, issues pertaining to implementation of guidelines and best practices of Governance for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (G-SHE) under National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) anchored by Department of Science & Technology, Government of India were discussed. The meeting envisaged to developing a shared road map for actions for bringing about the desired convergence for effective implementation of programmes and schemes by diverse stakeholders for achieving desired results.

�� Brainstorming workshop on developing a framework for capacity development of Biodiversity Governance institutions ( 30 September, 2014)

Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in Brainstorming workshop on developing a framework for capacity development of Biodiversity Governance institutions for effective implementation of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 in Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India, New Delhi on 30 September, 2014. The workshop was organized by United Nations Development Programme with the support of Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India under the project “ Strengthening natural resource management” ( 2013-17).

To have an overview of the thematic areas of Conference of Parties (COP) decisions which make reference to capacity-building are as under:


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i. Access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing

ii. Global Strategy for Plant Conservation

iii. Agro-biodiversity

iv. Identification and monitoring

v. Art. 8(j) and rel. provisions (traditional knowledge)

vi. Impact assessment

vii. Alien invasive species

viii. Incentive measures

ix. Biodiversity of Inland Waters

x. Indicators

xi. Bio-safety

xii. Liability and redress

xiii. Clearing House Mechanism

xiv. Marine and Coastal Biodiversity

xv. Dryland Biodiversity

xvi. Coral Reefs

xvii. Ecosystem Approach

xviii. National Reporting

xix. Education and Public Awareness

xx. Sustainable Use

xxi. Ex-situ collections

xxii. Taxonomy

xxiii. Forest Biodiversity

xxiv. Tourism

The project aims to develop capacities of key institutions working on forests, biodiversity and wildlife governance to deal with emerging challenges related to biodiversity conservation.

�� Participation in 12th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, 7th meeting of the Conference of Parties serving as the meeting of parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CoP- MoP 7) and first meeting of the Conference of Parties serving as the meeting of parties to the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (NP- MoP 1) in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea (6 - 17 October 2014).

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in 12th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea held during 6 - 17 October, 2014. Agenda of the meeting included mid-term review of progress towards the goals of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and further actions to enhance progress. Review of progress in providing support in implementing the objectives of the Convention and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and enhancement of capacity-building, technical and scientific cooperation and other initiatives to assist implementation was also taken up in this meeting. Other important items taken up included access and benefit-sharing, article 8(j) and related provisions, liability and redress, marine and coastal biodiversity, invasive alien species and Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. New and emerging issues like synthetic biology, biodiversity and climate change ecosystem conservation and restoration, sustainable use of biodiversity, bush meat

and sustainable wildlife management, biofuels and biodiversity, cooperation with other conventions, international organizations and stakeholders’ engagement, operation of the Convention, improving the efficiency of structures and processes under the Convention, multi-year programme of work of the Conference of the Parties up to 2020 were also discussed. Dr. Shah took part in the meetings of the C0P 12 relevant to India and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) as observer and in the side events.

It was a historic occasion as the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing became operational on 12 October, 2014. This Protocol required 19 days after the deposit of 50th instrument of ratification

�� One day partners consultation meeting in Nainital on 14 October, 2014

Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in the consultation meeting of partners of Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSCLDI) in Nainital on 14 October, 2014.

Trainings Provided by the Board�� Training of Trainers (ToT) cum Exposure Visit on Access and Benefit Sharing for Nepalese Forest

Officers on Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR), Bio-Cultural Community Protocol (BCP) and Access & Benefit Sharing (ABS) (4-7-Nov-2014)

Training-cum-exposure visit for Nepalese Forest Officers on formation of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC), preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR), Bio-cultural Community Protocol (BCP) and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) was organized by Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board in collaboration with Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) during 4-7 November, 2014 at Scientist Hostel, Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education, Dehradun. A delegation of 15 Nepalese forest officers participated in the above mentioned programme. The programme was inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. B.S. Burfal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Ex- Chairman, Uttarakhand State Biodiversity Board. Addressing the participants Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, oriented the participants to the gamut of issues of biodiversity in general and Access and Benefit Sharing system in India in particular. Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board introduced Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to the delegates. Mr. Dhananjay Prasad, Deputy Director, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board briefed about the implementation of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 in India. Following this Dr. Kishore Nautiyal, Director SAMVEDI explained the participants about the preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR) and Bio-cultural protocols (BCP) and related issues and challenges.

Next day, the participants were taken to Dudhai village for interaction with members of Biodiversity Management committee. During this visit delegates were informed by the members of BMC about their activities and working. A mock exercise was also organized to provide a hand on practice to fill different formats of PBRs. Following this event, the team went to Dhanaulti Ecological Park where the participants were expose to community managed Biodiversity area and tourist destination. Next day the delegates were taken to Haridwar where they visited Patanjali Ashram and Food Park for demonstration of use of Bio-resources and modern waste disposal /recycling facility.

Finally on the last day Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun Dr. Ashwini Kumar addressed the delegates and gave away certificates to them.

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�� Meeting with German Government Cooperation (BMZ) (9 October, 2014)

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman and Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board held a meeting with Project Identification Mission (PIM) to help assess the current situation with respect to identified focus areas and develop a list of relevant and concrete project ideas for financial support by KfW. The meeting was held in the office of the board on 9 October, 2014. KfW is interested to expand its Natural Resource Management (NRM) portfolio in India. In this regard, KfW (German Development Bank), under the mandate of Indo German Development Cooperation agreement, has shortlisted four new states in India, including Uttarakhand, to identify potential areas for joint financial cooperation projects in the field of NRM, forest management, agriculture, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation etc. Germany is among India’s largest bilateral donors in the natural resources management sector. Over last six decades, the German Federal Government though KfW, the German Development Bank has provided more than EUR 10 billion under Indo German Financial Cooperation. KfW’s activities in India focus on three areas: Sustainable Economic Development Renewable Energy – Energy Efficiency Environment and Natural Resources. The objective and agenda of the meetings was to discuss and analyze the current policies, strategies, and programmes of State Government with regard to biodiversity sector, identify concrete ideas for NRM / Climate Change adaptation / mitigation and biodiversity conservation projects and potential executing partners, assess interest and capacities of potential Project Executing Agencies (PEAs) to cooperate with KfW on CCA/NRM.

�� Co-ordination meeting on ABS piloting in Uttarakhand (22 October, 2014)

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in the Co-ordination meeting on ABS piloting in Uttarakhand on 22 October, 2014 in New Delhi. The meeting was organized by United Nations Development Programme.


�� Showcasing Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI) during Jauljibi Mela 2014 (November 14-17, 2014)

Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in the Jauljibi Mela 2014 during 14-17 November, 2014 in Pithoragarh district. This is a transboundary fair in which traditionally large number of people from Nepal also participate. Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI) is a long-term collaborative programme of three countries (i.e., China, India and Nepal) which targets over 31,000 sq km are at the tri-junction of South-western portion of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China that includes Kailash-Manasarovar area, north-eastern part of Uttarakhand (India), and far-western districts of Nepal.

In view of this important programme, it was felt essential that opportunities should be explored to showcase KSLCDI especially during major cultural and public event of India and Nepal - International Trade Fair - Jauljibi Mela.

Jauljibi, a small market place near the confluence of Mahakali and Gori rivers, is prominently placed on the map of eastern Uttarakhand due to its historical and cultural significance. Located at about 70 kms from Pithoragarh, Jauljibi forms gateway to upland valleys of Gori, Dhauli and Kali, en route to holy Kailash-Manasarovar. This place has connected people of Nepal and India since time immemorial. Annually, during Margshirsh Sankranti (third week of November), traders from interiors of Pithoragarh district, other parts of Kumaon and adjacent areas of Nepal assemble here with great enthusiasm to take part in a special fair i.e., Jauljibi Mela. This fair is known to have started as early as 1912 and it is multi-cultural in nature. During early days the traders from the upper Johar, Darma, Byans, and adjacent parts of Nepal used to bring commodities such as raw wool, woolen textiles, salt, borax, hides and skins, musk, honey, Shilajeet and Tibetan horses for sale. Those years, traders from distant places such as western Tibet, Delhi, Kanpur, Amritsar, Bombay and Calcutta used to take part in Jauljibi Mela. The downstream communities from Nepal and Kumaon used to barter farm produce such as food grains, jaggery and ghee (clarified butter) in exchange with products from high altitudes. With the passage of time and socio-economic changes, the volume and nature of trade has reduced considerably and the mela has transformed more into festivities. However, people from various parts of Kumaon as well as Darchula and Baitadi districts of Nepal continue to participate in this fair to socialize and exchange/trade various products such as handicrafts and local farm products.

Considering transboundary linkages of Jauljibi Mela the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in this fair for generating awareness about the biodiversity conservation, biological resources, their sustainable use and access and benefit sharing (ABS).

�� Special parallel session on ''Changing Climate-Implications for Himalayan Ecosystems and People'' organized during the Tropical Ecology Congress at New Delhi in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) (10-12 December, 2014)

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in the Special parallel session on ''Changing Climate-Implications for Himalayan Ecosystems and People'' organized during the Tropical Ecology Congress at New Delhi in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) during 10-12 December, 2014. This session was organized by Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Almora as a lead speaker and the panellist for the session.

He deliberated on Relevance of ABS for Himalayan People and Ecology under changing climate scenario.

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�� Participation in National Biodiversity Congress 2015 organized by Kerala Biodiversity Board from 24th February to 2nd March 2015 at Thiruvananthapuram

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board and Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary of the board participated in the National Biodiversity Congress 2015 organized by Kerala Biodiversity Board from 24th February to 2nd March 2015 at Thiruvananthapuram. On the occasion of the Congress they participated in the two days’ National Conference, an Exhibition on Biodiversity and its conservation, different awareness programmes. The focal theme of the conference was planned “Biodiversity: Access and Benefit Sharing”. The entire event attracted thousands of people and large number of delegates took part in the conference. The focal theme of the congress was planned “Biodiversity: Capital of the Nation” with the following sub themes:

i. Biodiversity for poverty eradication and sustainable development

ii. PA’s and Sacred natural sites: Conserving nature and culture

iii. Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan – Aichi Biodiversity Tragets-2020

iv. Access to bioresources and benefits sharing Innovations and practices in conservation of traditional breeds/ varieties

v. Innovations and practices in conservation of traditional breeds/ varieties

vi. Biodiversity and Climate Change

vii. Medicinal Plant Conservation for a healthy future

viii. Blue diversity and sustainable fisheries

�� Symposium on “Transforming Mountain Forestry Bridging transboundary challenges with 21st century paradigms for the welfare of mountain people and environments in the Hindu Kush


Himalayas” organized by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development with Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Government of India (18–22 January 2015)

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in the symposium on “Transforming Mountain Forestry Bridging transboundary challenges with 21st century paradigms for the welfare of mountain people and environments in the Hindu Kush Himalayas” organized by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development with Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Government of India during 18–22 January 2015. Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board also participated in the symposium. The symposium was a forum for over 200 regional and global experts – including cross-sectoral policy makers, scientists, practitioners, donors, civil servants, media, market actors, legal experts, and civil society, business, and community representatives for outlining the way forward. The conference included high level representation from all of the mountain states of India, as well as the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and other key ministries. All eight countries of the Hindu Kush Himalayas, as well as key global mountain forestry centres, were represented as well. The specific Objectives of the symposium were

i. Establishing common understanding of forest ecosystem dynamics and the management of mountain forest ecosystems in the Hindu Kush Himalayas to set the research and development agenda,

ii. Share good practices in forest ecosystem adaptation and learn from other mountain regions

iii. Explore options for mainstreaming incentive-based mechanisms (e.g. REDD+, payment for ecosystem services) to promote the sustainable use of forest ecosystem services

iv. Identify policy deficits and propose priority actions for mainstreaming inclusive forest ecosystem adaptation and good forest governance at the transboundary landscape level to address climate change and globalization processes; and

v. Promote global, regional, and national knowledge networking, research and development, partnerships, and cooperation for influencing policy, science and practice

Conference included keynote sessions, parallel thematic presentations and panel discussions live streaming coverage, output-oriented brainstorming sessions (for example on green felling ban, human-wildlife conflicts, role of remote sensing science, forest engineering, etc.). Participation in parallel sessions “Understanding Co-Management in Mountain Forests under Status of Forest Ecosystem in Hindukush Himalaya (HKH) Region on 19-01-2015 and “Mountain Forests: Governance and Working with the Community under Mountain Forestry: Policy governance and institution” on 21-01-2015 was also done.

�� National Consultation on Biodiversity and Intellectual Property: Policy Options for Implementing Access and Benefit Sharing in India (29- 30 January, 2015)

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in this national consultation for sharing lessons from implementation of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 in Uttarakhand. The background of the consultation is that India has been a key player as one of the leaders of the developing world in promoting equitable access and benefit sharing (ABS) mechanisms in international negotiations. India is also among the first countries in the world to have established law on access and benefit sharing.

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Owing to the requirement of providing stronger intellectual property under the TRIPs Agreement- more specifically patents related to genetic resources, it remains to be seen how countries can deal with a complex interface between biodiversity and intellectual property rights. This consultation aimed to bring together policy makers, academicians, NGO representatives and legal experts to deliberate on the best policy options for India for implementing access and benefit sharing mechanisms. The implementation of the Nagoya Protocol and recent developments with regard to the implementation of benefit sharing internationally require a re-evaluation of policy options for India with regard to ABS. The Benefit Sharing Fund of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) has launched a third call for project proposals under the Benefit sharing fund of the Treaty in March 2014. The ITPGRFA has also established the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group to Enhance the Functioning of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-Sharing. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Conference of Parties was held in October 6-17, 2014 in Korea. Therefore, it is a crucial time for India to organize such consultation. The consultation was organized as part of an international project on “International Objectives for Adaptation, Access and Benefit-Sharing: Effects on the Management of Plant Genetic Resources in India and Nepal” being conducted by the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway and SAWTEE, Nepal. The second day of the workshop was utilized for a roundtable discussion on the topic of “Policy Options for Implementing Access and Benefit Sharing in India”.

�� Workshop to disseminate Results of Projects on “Conservation and Management of Pollinators for Sustainable Agriculture through an Ecosystem Approach in New Delhi (29 January, 2015)

This workshop was attended by Dr. Rakesh shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board on 29 January, 2001. The workshop was organized by Food and Agriculture Organization at India International Centre in New Delhi under GEF/UNEP/FAO global project “Conservation and Management of Pollinators for Sustainable Agriculture through an Ecosystem Approach” to wrap up this project which was in its


final year of completion. India was one of the seven project partners in this initiative. The overall project outcome was to expand knowledge of pollination services, improved capacity to manage pollinators, and better awareness of conservation and sustainable use of pollinators for farmers, land managers and for policy makers. The project had been managed by Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPiHED), Almora with sites as well in Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. The workshop was organized by Food and Agriculture Organization in India International Centre, New Delhi. The workshop provided the project partners and global and global managers to present and discuss the way in which the project deepened the understanding of the contribution of pollinators to agriculture in project sites and the relevance for pollination dependent agricultural systems in other parts of India and the region.

�� Workshop on Consolidating Center for Biodiversity Policy and Law (CEBPOL)- Sharing of experiences on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) held during 3-4 February, 2015 at Chennai

Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in the workshop on “ Consolidating Center for Biodiversity Policy and Law (CEBPOL)- Sharing of experiences on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) held during 3-4 February, 2015 at Chennai. The Center for Biodiversity Policy and Law (CEBPOL) has been jointly established by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoeFCC) and Ministry of Environment and Industrial Development, Government of Norway at National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) at Chennai with the main objective of strengthening the biodiversity policy, law and conservation related issues in India. The programme is being implemented by NBA with the technical cooperation of Natural Environment Agencies (NEA), Ministry of Environment, Government of Norway through Royal Norwegian Embassy. Experts from India and Norway participated in the workshop to share their experiences in implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) in general and other thematic areas which are relevant to CEBPOL in particular.


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�� Ninth Meeting of the State Level Project Steering Committee (SPSC) in GoI, UNDP-GEF Project on “Mainstreaming Conservation and Sustainable Use of Medicinal Plant Diversity in Three Indian States” in Uttarakhand State at Dehradun (16 February, 2015)

Dr. Rakesh Shah participated in the Ninth Meeting of the State Level Project Steering Committee (SPSC) in GoI, UNDP-GEF Project on “Mainstreaming Conservation and Sustainable Use of Medicinal Plant Diversity in Three Indian States” in Uttarakhand State in Manthan Hall of Forest Department, Uttarakhand. The points for discussion included , action taken on 8th SPSC held on 25th January, 2014, physical and financial Progress of Project for year 201, approval of expenditure in project for year 2014, approval of Annual Plan – 2015 (January 2015 to June 2015), review of the progress made by Uttarakhand Forestry Training Academy, Haldwani and other miscellaneous related issues.

�� Comments on the draft Letter of Agreement (LoA) between International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and Technische Universität München School of Forest Science and Resource Management (SFSRM) Under The Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan (February, 2015)

Comments were given by the board officials on the draft Letter of Agreement (LoA) between International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and Technische Universität München School Of Forest Science and Resource Management (SFSRM) Under The Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan in February, 2015. Technische Universität München (TUM) is one of Europe’s top universities and University of Excellence, in Germany, committed to excellence in research and teaching, interdisciplinary education and the active promotion of promising young scientists and forges strong links with companies and scientific institutions across the world, and its School of Forest Science and Resource Management (SFSRM) under the Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstepha. It excels


unrivaled in the research and development areas of international forestry, forest ecosystem studies, timber industry, forest technology, business administration, computer science, nature conservation, landscape development and renewable resources especially in the mountain context. TUM-SFSRM will provide technical expertise to ICIMOD and its country partners in India and Nepal to support the action research and sustainable forest management related activities and events, field testing/further development, finalization and implementation of the ICIMOD’s forest ecosystem related frameworks or activities to be adopted by the ICIMOD country partner institutions in Transboundary Landscapes of HKH region.

�� International Conference on Sustainable Development and Environmental Jurisprudence held on March 14-15, 2015 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in International Conference on Sustainable Development and Environmental Jurisprudence held on March 14-15, 2015 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. National Green Tribunal along with the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change will be holding an International Conference at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi from 14th to 15th March, 2015. Besides the plenary and valedictory sessions, there were six technical sessions where different topics pertaining to climate change, natural disaster, coastal pollution including oil spills, air and water pollution, bio-diversity & forest conservation, environmental regulations and governance issues and laws in this regard were discussed with a view to evolving principles and strategies for environmental conservation and protection both at national and global levels. The conference was attended by Chief Justices of Supreme Court/ High Courts, Judges, Professors, Environmental& Legal Experts from within the country and abroad including international institutions and representatives of the Central/State Governments responsible for enforcement of environmental & forest/bio-diversity laws.


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�� Workshop on “Scientific Management of Beekeeping” organized by Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO) at Shuklapur, Dehradun (17 March, 2015)

Dr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman and Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board participated in the Workshop “Scientific Management of Beekeeping” organized by Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO) at Shuklapur, Dehradun on 17 March, 2015.

�� Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) DIT University, Dehradun (30 March, 2015)

Department of MBA of DIT University organized a National Level Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights in association with Uttarakhand Council of Science &Technology (UCOST), Dehradun. This workshop aimed at creating awareness about Intellectual Property Rights amongst different stakeholders, researchers, academicians, corporate leaders etc. The themes of the workshop included Intellectual Property Rights regime in India, issues related to Patents: Filing process, difficulties, evaluation and managing Intellectual Property.

Mr. Dhananjay Prasad, Deputy director Uttarakhand State Biodiversity Board attended this workshop where he gave a presentation on managing Intellectual Property.

�� Workshop on “Ecosystem Services and Innovative Financing Mechanism for Natural Resource Management” (23 March, 2015)

The officials of the board Chairman Dr. Rakesh Shah, Mr. G.S. Pande, Member Secretary and Mr. Dhananjay Prasad, Deputy Director, participated in the workshop on “Ecosystem Services and Innovative Financing Mechanism for Natural Resource Management” on 23 March, 201. The workshop was co-organized by Uttarakhand Science Education & Research Centre (USERC), Dehradun, GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development (GBPIHED), Almora, and Graphic Era University (GEU), Dehradun in the New HM Block (1st Floor auditorium) at Graphic Era University, Dehradun. The subject was very relevant for the state of Uttarakhand as in terms of the discussions held ‘Green Bonus’ for the state. The sessions were, therefore, aimed at providing some concrete recommendations to the state government on assessing the economic value of the natural resources. The chairman chaired the Technical Session focused on Ecosystem Services in relation to Forests.


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ACHIeVeMeNTs OF THe UTTARAKHAND bIODIVeRsITy bOARD

Financial Assistance for Constitution of BMCs in Uttarakhand 27th March 2015

With reference to the Letter No. 359/B.D.Board, 3-1 Dated 19th March 2015 to the National Biodiversity Authority approved a release of ` 60,00,000/- (Rupees Sixty Lakhs Only) for constitution of 100 “Biodiversity Management Committees” in Uttarakhand during the financial year 2014-2015. The amount was released from within the sanctioned Budget Grant-in-Aid for the year 2014-15 (Plan), under the sub head “Preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers”. As per the approved draft the grant has to be utilized for constitution of 100 BMCs at Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Pauri districts.

Financial Assistance for “Preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers” by BMCs in Uttarakhand 31-03-2015

To facilitate and support the ongoing program of documentation of Biodiversity by ”People’s Biodiversity Registers” in Uttarakhand during the financial year 2014-15 , National Biodiversity Authority sanctioned release of ` 49,50,000 to Uttarakhand State Biodiversity Board as per the letter F.No.NBA/16/24/PBR/20124774. The amount released from within the sanctioned Budget Grant-in-Aid for the year 2014-2015 (Plan), under the sub head “Preparation of People Biodiversity Registers”. As per the request made by the board the sanctioned amount was directed by NBA to be utilized for BMC and PBR preparation in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Almora, Champawat, Nainital & Bageshwar districts with ` 1,50,000 for each district.

Other Activities of the Board

Poster Presentation-

�� Promotional Poster in Biodiversity for Jaulijibi Fair in Pithoragarh District

�� Poster on Island Biodiversity

�� Poster on Occasion of Regional workshop in ABS

�� Poster on Biodiversity on the occasion of the Training of Trainers


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Published & Printed by

Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board108, Phase-II, Vasant Vihar, Dehradun-248006 Telefax: 0135-2769886 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sbb.uk.gov.in

GuidanceDr. Rakesh Shah

Cover Photo© Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board

Edited & Compiled byPankaj Pant

Many people are helping to make the world a better place, but humanity as a whole is making it difficult for other living creatures that share our planet to survive.

- Robert Alan Silverstein



Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board

108, Phase II, Vasant Vihar, Dehradun - 248006 Telefax: 0135-2769886

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