Pangi, Lahaul to figure in biodiversity register

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 13

The Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE), along with the Forest Department, on Thursday launched a training programme for the youth under which they would document the biodiversity of Pangi, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur in the people biodiversity register (PBR).

Dr Savita, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Wildlife, said snow leopard was an iconic animal of the Himalayas. A good number of these apex predators signified a healthy ecosystem. To ensure their survival, sustainable use of forest resources and generation of alternative livelihood opportunities was important.

She said the initial step to conserve the local biodiversity was its documentation in the PBR. She lauded the efforts of HIMCOSTE hub, HP ENVIS, in training students under the Green Skill Development Programme, which was implemented by them last year.

Aparna Sharma, coordinator of the hub, said under this course, experts would train selected students at reputed institutes in the fields of botany, zoology, forestry, wildlife, importance and conservation of biodiversity, waste management and remote sensing.

She said nine students had been selected for the programme: six from Pangi, two from Lahaul and one from Shimla.

The United Nations Development Programme has sanctioned the project entitled as securing livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high-range Himalayan ecosystems (SECURE Himalaya). It is being conducted in collaboration with the state Forest Department and the state Biodiversity Board for Lahaul, Pangi and Kinnaur.