International Conference on
Biodiversity, Livelihood and Climate Change in the Himalayas
(December 12-14, 2010: Kathmandu, Nepal)
Theme of the Conference
“Save the Himalayan Biodiversity for future generations”
Organized by
Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University
Ministry of Forests & Soil Conservation, GoN
Ministry of Environment, GoN
In Collaboration with
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
WWF Nepal
National Trust for Nature Conservation, and
University of Bergen (Norway)
Supported by
Nepal Academy of Science & Technology
Nepal Agricultural Research Council
University Grants Commission (Nepal), and
Norwegian Research Council (NRC)
BACKGROUND
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, the genetic diversity they contain, and the assemblages they form. The direct benefits of biodiversity to humanity are myriad: we derive our food, fuel, fiber, medicines and raw materials for a host of manufacturing processes from this variety of organisms. Beyond direct values, they provide ecological services and play an important role in maintaining Earth’s environmental processes. Their ethical and aesthetic values are less quantifiable; they are nevertheless real and pervasive.
The Himalaya, stretching over 4,000 km, is a singular entity of immense physical dimension. Owing to its extreme topographic and climatic variability, the Himalaya contains rich biological diversity. It occupies approximately 0.3% of the global area, and constitutes nearly 10% of the world flora. The region contains four biodiversity hotspots, 60 eco-regions, 488 protected areas, 1,106 Important Bird Areas (IBAs), and 53 Important Plant Areas (IPAs) in addition to rich agro-biodiversity and wild relatives of crops. The Himalayan region, however, also faces a high degree of threats, including climate change.
There is general agreement among the scientific community that maintenance of natural levels of biodiversity is necessary for proper functioning and provision of sound ecosystem services. A major threat to biodiversity is habitat loss and fragmentation. In addition to climate change, inadequate data and funds, weak institutional set-up and management, unsustainable harvesting and illegal tradeof resources are the challenges to attain the goals of biodiversity conservation.
Marking the International Year of Biodiversity 2010, the Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, and the Ministry of Environment, Government of Nepal, are jointly organizing anInternational Conference on “Biodiversity, Livelihood and Climate Change in the Himalayas, ICBLCC-2010”, in Kathmandu, Nepal from December 12-14, 2010. The conference will be organized in collaboration with the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), WWF Nepal, National Trust for Nature Conservation, and University of Bergen (Norway), and supported by Nepal Academy of Science & Technology, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, University Grants Commission (Nepal) and Norwegian Research Council.
The ICBLCC-2010 is expected to discuss issues related to biodiversity and climate change as well as cross-sectoral issues with particular emphasis on natural resources of the Himalayan region. The conference will also assess achievements on the Convention on Biological Diversity 2010 target to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss and an international regime on access and benefit sharing at regional and national levels.
For Further Information click on the Links below:
http://www.cdbtu.edu.np/icblcc2010 
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