Sandhu Harpinder, Sandhu Sukhbir
School of the Environment, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia,
Ambio. 2015 May;44(4):297-307. doi: 10.1007/s13280-014-0569-9. Epub 2014 Nov 4.
The Himalayas are rich in biodiversity but vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures. They are also host to growing number of rural poor who are dependent on forest and ecosystem services for their livelihood. Local and global efforts to integrate poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation in the Himalayas remain elusive so far. In this work, we highlight two key impediments in achieving sustainable development in the Himalayas. On the positive side, we also highlight the work of Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), a research organization based in India that seeks to integrate biodiversity concerns with livelihood security. For impediments, we draw on two examples from the Darjeeling district, India, in Eastern Himalayan region to illustrate how development organizations are failing to simultaneously address poverty and environmental issues. Based on the success of ATREE, we then propose a conceptual framework to integrate livelihood generating activities with sustainable and equitable development agenda. We recommend developing a Hindu-Kush Himalayan Ecosystem Services Network in the region to formulate a strategy for further action. We conclude by offering measures to address the challenge of integrating livelihood and environment issues through this network.
喜马拉雅地区生物多样性丰富，但易受人为压力影响。这里还有越来越多的农村贫困人口，他们依靠森林和生态系统服务维持生计。到目前为止，在喜马拉雅地区将扶贫与生物多样性保护相结合的地方和全球努力仍难以实现。在这项工作中，我们强调了在喜马拉雅地区实现可持续发展的两个关键障碍。从积极的方面来看，我们还强调了印度的一个研究组织——阿育王生态与环境研究信托基金会（ATREE）的工作，该组织致力于将生物多样性问题与生计安全相结合。关于障碍，我们以喜马拉雅东部地区印度大吉岭地区的两个例子来说明发展组织如何未能同时解决贫困和环境问题。基于ATREE的成功经验，我们随后提出了一个概念框架，将生计创造活动与可持续和公平的发展议程相结合。我们建议在该地区建立一个兴都库什喜马拉雅生态系统服务网络，以制定进一步行动的战略。我们最后提出通过这个网络应对生计与环境问题整合挑战的措施。
