In Uttarakhand the day was celebrated in collaboration with ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu) at MKP Girls’ Inter College, Dehradun on December 11, 2012 inviting presence of students and teachers from CEE’s Paryavaran Mitra network of schools, government officials and concerned citizens. The day began with a warm welcome by Dr. Abdhesh Gangwar of CEE who gave brief on the history of the IMD. He informed that unlike previous years this year there is no specific theme and the emphasis is on ‘sustainable mountain development’. Highlights of the messages from FAO and Director General ICIMOD were shared with the participants. They were apprised of FAO, the U.N. Organization being mandated to lead the observance of International Mountain Day each year. Experts from Centre for Aromatic Plants and State Medicinal Plant Board, Uttarakhand, National Service Scheme (NSS), India spoke on the problems like migration, subsistence mountain agriculture, impact of climate change and so on. Students were apprised of the importance of mountains for their ecological services like water, biodiversity, food, nutrition, carbon sequestration and others. Mr. Ujol Serchan of ICIMOD spoke about the importance of mountain areas, the work ICIMOD has been doing in 8 countries in Hindu Kush Himalayas and the need for cross boundary cooperation. Students participated in number of activities like poster making, essay writing and slogan writing in groups. Skits on sustainable mountain development and conservation themes were presented. Role of students, youth and NSS volunteers to promote and support the cause of sustainable mountain development (SMD) was discussed while the participants reinforced their commitment to work for the SMD and restore the lost glory of the mountains.

 

Students from all schools in Hamirpur town, gathered at Government Senior Secondary School, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the IMD. HP Department of Education partnered with CEE in organizing the programme. The speakers gave an account of natural wealth and rich resources that have supported the mountain communities since ages in addition to acting as water towers and protecting the geographical boundaries. Himachal Pradhesh is a pioneer state taking number of measures towards conservation and sustainability for example a ban on polythene. Students were also apprised of increasing human foot print need for behavioural change and small individual actions towards sustainability. Students participated in activities like debate on mountain development, nature games and group work on themes like - Water and sanitation, Biodiversity, Energy, Waste management and Cultural heritage. Folk songs on nature were presented and everybody participated in Handprint campaign –Save Biodiversity Save Life. The winners got prizes in different categories. 

Govt. High School Koondabal in district Ganderbal was the venue for IMD celebrations in Jammu & Kashmir and the event was organized in collaboration with J&K Education Department under the banner of RCE (Regional Centre of Expertise) Srinagar. The experts spoke at length about the details and feature of peaks surrounding the area, the services rendered, diverse fauna and flora, their recreational value and other amazing features, climate change and food security in mountains and other local issues. Students also shared their perceptions on food shortage, global warming, climate change and other related issues through extempore speech competition. Later during the day they participated in a painting competition on the theme SMD. 

At all these places the participants pledged for the conservation of nature and natural resources and contribute to sustainable mountain development. Most of the participating schools are part of Paryvaran Mitra network, a climate change and sustainability education programme of Ministry of Environment and Forests, GOI and ArcelorMittal being implemented by CEE in two million schools countrywide. Students are being involved in small action projects towards conservation.

 

Indian Himalaya is the youngest mountain chain on the earth and is believed to be still evolving, and thereby, is unstable geologically and geo-morphologically. It forms the watershed for most of the rivers flowing in northern India, sustaining the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people. Indian Himalayan region is home to almost 50,000 species of flora and fauna and 50% of the total flowering plants of India are found in Himalayan forest. 

The rich Himalayan biodiversity is under severe threat due to natural as well as manmade causes. Climate change and unplanned rapid urbanization in the region is posing serious threats to the fragile ecosystems which in turn would affect the lives and livelihoods of mountain communities.