Shimla Declaration to promote regional cooperation

Union Minister for Environment Jairam Ramesh,who spoke at the conclave,endorsed the move and nominated Uttarakhand-based G B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development as the nodal agency for extending all technical support to the Forum.

Among those present at the time of the Shimla Declaration were Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank,Himachal Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal,Jammu and Kashmir Forest Minister Altaf Ahmed and noted environmentalist Sunita Narain,beside over 200 experts,academicians and other participants.

The declaration was finalised after two days of working sessions and deliberations on issues of climate change,livelihood and global warming,affecting the local economy. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal,who read out the declaration,drew the attention of the Centre towards the financial support needed by the states.

Among some of the key recommendations adopted at the conclave was payment for ecosystem services to compensate states that were protecting forests and ecosystems. The conclave expressed concern over the impact of climate change on agriculture and horticulture and said traditional knowledge of local communities need to be supported. The issue of rise in the number of tourists in eco-sensitive areas was also raised and steps were suggested to decrease interference in the environment. Setting up of state councils for climate change to ensure implementation of steps proposed in the declaration was also recommended.

Noting that climatic changes and receding Himalayan glaciers threatened the flow of rivers,states were asked to evolve methods to manage resources for sustainable development. The conclave recommended the building of green roads and exploring eco-friendly modes of transport like ropeways and railways. It also suggested that the Centre provide incentives for the promotion of green technologies in households. Promotion of green industry and creation of green jobs for the youth were other recommendations.

The Union environment minister,in his concluding remarks,assured that some of the recommendations,where intervention of the Centre was required,would be implemented immediately.