It is said that a lifetime is not enough to explore the Himalayas. The high peaks, serene lakes and rugged mountain slopes have helped create unique cultures that weave nature and people together into the same fabric of life. The mountains face innumerable challenges due to climate change, land degradation, overexploitation, and natural disasters, with potentially far-reaching and devastating consequences, both for mountain communities and downstream populations.

According to a study by the Niti Ayog, Govt. of India (Sustainable Tourism in the Indian Himalayan Region), one out of three mountain people in developing countries is vulnerable to food insecurity and faces poverty and isolation.

The challenge is to identify new and sustainable opportunities that can bring benefits to all the communities and help eradicate poverty without degrading the fragile mountain ecosystems.