Dehradun, December 14 (MExN): Presentation of outcomes and recommendations of the summit and a valedictory session were the highlights of the 4th and the concluding day of the 9th edition of the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS-IX) in Dehradun on December 14.
The RS Tolia Memorial Award, recognising efforts individuals and organizations that have made an impact in integrating and addressing the issues of mountain communities, was also presented to Dr Ajay Rawat, an eminent scholar and environmental activist on the concluding day.
Rawat’s legal actions have prevented ecological destruction lakes and forests in the IHR and he is also a pioneer in forest history and conservation, an IMI press release informed.
The award carries a citation, a shawl and a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh.
SMDS is an annual event of the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) which brings together legislators, bureaucrats, academicians, NGOs and members of the civil society.
As the 2020 edition hosted by the Sustainable Development Forum of Uttarakhand (SDFU) in Dehradun was held virtually, the event was beamed on various online media platforms and Facebook pages, the release said.
At the presentation of outcomes and recommendations, the panellist were PD Rai, President IMI; Dr R Dobhal, Chairman SDFU; SMDSIX; Sushil Ramola, Former President, IMI; Binita Shah, CEO, SARG; P Shrestha,Secretary, IMI; Krishna Rautela and Dr Lalbiakmawi Ngente.
The panel actively discussed the concerns of the IHR – land and habitat degradation, climate change, decrease in crop genetic research, illegal trade, human-wildlife concerns and lack of investment in the biodiversity sector, it added.
They further highlighted the need to ecological restoration, boost regional and interstate cooperation, curb illegal trade, revive traditional farming practices, strengthen capital and awareness of the BMCs, impart quality environmental education and encourage rural unemployed youth to participate in environmental conservation and protection activities.
A written speech by the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister was also read on the occasion and he lauded the IMI for SMDS and assured full cooperation and engagement in the future, the release said.
Meanwhile, the summit planned for data sharing via knowledge sharing through the Indian Himalayan Youth Network/Alliance SDGs and Indian Himalayan University to provide compensation for ecosystem services.
The IMI Council decided has to engage with each state chapter to work out a state action plan, encourage their participation for a common national agenda and work together for research mobilization and implementation of said plans, the release informed.
The Summit concluded with the baton being passing on to Darjeeling Hill Initiative (DHI) to host the SMDS-X in the Darjeeling-Kalimpong Hills of West Bengal in 2021, it added.
