Sikkim

Floods completely cut off North Sikkim, as death toll mounts in the North East

Around 250 delegates from eleven hill states of India along with representatives from Darjeeling hills participated in the two days summit. It was organized by Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Sikkim (ECOSS) jointly with Central Himalayan Environment Association (CHEA).

In an unique attempt by the Government of Sikkim, the lake that was once seasonal, now has water throughout the year.

Indifferent rain causes outbreak of dengue, malaria and other vector-borne diseases in eastern India, and particularly Kolkata.

Maharashtra suspends Mahyco’s licence for Bt cotton seeds, on grounds of market malpractice in fraudulently hiking seed prices.

This paper  in the journal Current Science presents the findings of a study that aimed at taking an overview of the water resources and their management in the East and South districts of Sikkim and understand issues related to quality and quantity of water resources in the are

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) is a research organisation working on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The main focus is on applied science through research, education and action that influence policy and practice on conservation, management of natural resources and sustainable development.

Description: ATREE’s Northeast/Eastern Himalayas Programme has been working in the region for over a decade, focused primarily on action research seeking to reconcile conservation and livelihoods; supporting independent researchers and local organizations; enhancing local conservation action and improving livelihood opportunities; organisation building; capacity building of local organisations; and, improving the management of world biodiversity heritage sites in the region (Kaziranga and Manas) through the World Biodiversity Heritage Programme.

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) is a research institution in the areas of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. We focus on applied science through research, education and action that influence policy and practice on conservation of nature, management of natural resources, and sustainable development.

Description:
We are beginning a 3-year research project on climate vulnerability and adaptation in urbanizing watersheds. This is an interdisciplinary research project involving natural and social scientists from ATREE and The Pacific Institute, USA, focusing on two watersheds: the Arkavathy sub-basin near Bangalore, and the Rangit sub-basin near Darjeeling. The objective is to understand the impact of climate change on the quality and quantity of water accessible to different sections of the society, particularly weaker sections, and the household and wider institutional/governance factors that shape vulnerability, short-term coping mechanisms and possible adaptation strategies.

The paper published in the journal Applied and Environmental Soil Science discusses the need for a viable option for ecorestoration and maintenance of soil resources to sustain long-term soil productivity and improve food security for the region.

Organisers: Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Sikkim (ECOSS), Central Himalayan Environment Network (CHEA)

Venue: Gangtok, Sikkim

Article and Image Courtesy : iSikkim