New Delhi, Sep 30(ANI): Union Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said that the Himalayan ecosystem is vital to the ecological security of the Indian landmass.
Addressing at the India-ICIMOD Day celebration here, Deshmukh said: "The Himalayan ecosystem is highly vulnerable to the stress caused by increased pressure of population, exploitation of natural resources and other related challenges."
"Climate change may adversely impact the Himalayan ecosystem through increased temperature, altered precipitation patterns, and episodes or drought," he added.
Considering the fragility and importance of the Himalaya, Deshmukh informed that a National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem ( NMSHE) has been included in the eight National Missions of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with the objectives of conserving and protecting Himalayan glaciers and its ecosystem.
"It is the only area specific mission. Its specific action area is to improve trans-boundary exchange of information through mutually agreed mechanisms and ICIMOD being an independent 'Mountain Learning and Knowledge Centre' can play an important role in strengthening such trans-boundary exchange of information among the eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush -Himalayas area," he said.
"The technical document of NMSHE mission document envisages generation of sound scientific knowledge and strengthening the knowledge Institutions in the IHR through six subject wise task forces. Under the capacity building and knowledge sharing program several initiatives are taken by ICIMOD."
"This can be utilized for increasing collaboration between ICIMOD and Department of Science and Technology and further strengthening the institutions in the regional member countries," he added. (ANI)
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Read More: Delhi | Susta | Climate Change | Vilasrao Deshmukh
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