HKKH Partnership Project

The HKKH Partnership Project is a regional initiative spread across three countries (Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet autonomous region of China) for systemic planning and management of socio-ecosystems in the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalaya region (HKKH). The project implemented by IUCN (in partnership with ICIMOD, Ev-K2-CNR and CESVI) is functional at regional, national and grassroots level with special focus on three protected areas: Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal), Central Karakoram National Park (Pakistan) and Qomolongma Nature Preserve in Tibet.

The project aims to devise a modular Decision Support Toolbox (DST) for ecosystem management, with software and participatory modules, based on systemic approach. Participatory 3D modeling in the Sagarmatha National Park was carried out under the project to build local capacity for sustainable ecosystem management in 2007. The 3D model will be used by the local stakeholders for planning, monitoring and conflict resolution.

The project assists the local stakeholders in application of the new tools in the local level pilot plots, exchange of data, knowledge and experiences across the region and the development of a management-oriented research framework. Preliminary baseline studies have been carried out on wildlife, glaciology, biodiversity, forestry and livelihoods. A database has been developed with the research literatures, working papers, maps, data related to 3D models, posters, satellite images and spatial datasets. GIS databases will also be developed to be included in the applications of the DST for the three national parks.