Ecosystem-Based Approaches for Resilience Building in Himalayan Landscapes: Insights for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction

This contributed volume offers a comprehensive exploration of ecosystem-based approach for resilience building in the ecosystems of the Himalayan landscape in the context of climate change and disaster risk reduction.

The Himalayan region is highly susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change, including melting glaciers, unpredictable weather patterns, and increased natural disasters, which pose a significant threat to both the environment and the communities residing in these sensitive landscapes. In this book, we delve into the critical topics of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) and its importance in addressing these climate-related challenges. By bridging the gap between climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction, this book provides innovative strategies, case studies, and solutions that empower policymakers, researchers, environmentalists, and practitioners in the region. It offers a roadmap for sustainable, ecosystem-focused approaches to tackle the increasing risks and vulnerabilities faced by the Himalayan communities.

The book is an interesting read for researchers and practitioners committed to mitigating the effects of climate change, conserving biodiversity, and reducing disaster risks in the Himalayan region. This book is going to serve as indispensable resource for professionals and enthusiasts alike who are dedicated to safeguarding the unique and important Himalayan ecosystems, and the well-being of the communities residing in this magnificent landscape.

Dr. Y.D. Imran Khan

Y.D. Imran Khan is a Programme Manager and Thematic Lead (Ecology) at the WOTR-Centre for Resilience Studies (W-CReS), Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) in Pune, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Zoology (with a specialisation in Ecology) from Bangalore University, Bengaluru, and an M.Sc. in Zoology from Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur. Before joining WOTR, Dr. Khan worked at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) in Bengaluru, the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) in Hyderabad, and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai. His areas of interest include conservation biology, socio-ecology, rural livelihoods, and watershed Ecology. Dr. Khan collaborates with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams of scholars from various national and international organisations to integrate ecological and social science approaches in assessing the impact of policy and behavioural changes.

Dr. Mrinalini Goswami

Mrinalini Goswami is a researcher in Sustainability Science. She received her Ph.D. in Environmental Science for her research on sustainability of ecosystem-based livelihoods in peri-urban landscapes. She has been engaged in research on varied topics, including environmental sustainability, climate change, natural resource management, water management, and urban development. Dr. Goswami has published scientific papers/articles and books in the field of socio-ecology, environment and ecology. Dr. Goswami also has substantial work experience in the development sector, which has motivated her towards interdisciplinary approach in environmental research.

Prof. Sunil Nautiyal

Sunil Nautiyal (AvHF, JSPSF, ZF, FNIE) is a Professor at the Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources (CEENR) at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) in Bengaluru. He is also an Honorary Professor at the University of Ladakh. Previously, Dr. Nautiyal served as the Director of the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) in Almora, Uttarakhand, India.  His areas of specialization include Natural Resource Management and Conservation, Socioeconomic and Ecological Approaches for Sustainable Development, Production System Analysis, Protected Area Management and Human-Wildlife Conflict, Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis, Sustainable Livelihood Development, Ecological Modelling, GIS and Remote Sensing for Landscape Research, Urban-Rural Interface and Sustainability, Climate Change, and Socio-Ecological Development (as a Socio-Ecologist). Dr. Nautiyal has published over 250 scientific papers and articles, as well as 15 books. He has received several prestigious national and international fellowships and awards. Additionally, he serves on the editorial board of the journals and is a reviewer for more than 70 national and international journals.