Policies & Legislations

Mountain regions in general and the Himalayan region in particular, have tended to remain on the periphery of policy-space. In spite of their significant contribution in terms of life-giving resources used by humans, these regions have been accorded lower priority in terms of policy attention and lesser resources and funds for research and development. As a result of the relative isolation and remoteness of mountain regions, and the paucity of research on these areas, information available for use in casting policies is rather scanty. Mountain issues are not understood adequately and mountain specificities not recognized for the value they can bring to development of mountain regions. Unless a country is wholly mountainous, mountain areas are rarely accorded independent policy thrust, although these areas are socio-ecologically distinct from lowland areas. Mountain resources are valued only when conflicts over sharing rear their head between neighbouring countries/provinces. Mountain areas remain among the least developed parts of the world although most resource-rich; the inhabitants among the most impoverished although the heritage they are stewards of provide benefits to half the world¹s population; mountain areas are the most vulnerable to armed conflicts and natural disasters, although they are among the most sought after for spiritual upliftment. It is critical to galvanise global attention and support for mountain-specific policies and development. International will and pressure can be a powerful for development and collaboration among governments can address challenges of mountain development in a more effective manner.