BWI: TERI Celebrates International Mountain day with a panel discussion on ‘Climate Change and Sustainability of Himalayan Ecosystem’

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
Friday, December 10, 2010 02:05 PM IST (08:35 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Environment; Business: Business services, Energy companies, Media & entertainment, Water
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TERI Celebrates International Mountain day with a panel discussion on 'Climate Change and Sustainability of Himalayan Ecosystem'


New Delhi, Delhi, India, Friday, December 10, 2010 -- (Business Wire India) -- The Energy and Resources Institute, (TERI) in association with National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMHSE), the Planning Commission of India and OXFAM India organized a panel discussion on 'Climate Change and Sustainability of Himalayan Ecosystem'. The purpose of the panel discussion was in sync with the goals identified by the United General Assembly in announcing December 11 as 'The International Mountain Day'.

The discussion deliberated on challenges and opportunities in the perspective of climate change impacts that are influencing the sustainability of Himalayan ecosystems, making it hazardous and vulnerable for around 55 million people residing in and around the region. In addition, the role played by the Himalayas in regulating the overall weather patterns in Indian subcontinent make them indispensable for the livelihood of many as well.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ashok Jaitly, Director, Water Resources Division, TERI, said, 'The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has been endorsed as the regional Knowledge Hub for Water and Climate Change Adaptation in South Asia by Asia Pacific Water Forum (APWF) and organizing this panel discussion was aimed at knowledge sharing'. He also added, 'We organized this interaction to highlight the importance of International Mountain Day for the Indian context, encourage future research in the Himalayan region by forming strategic alliances and partnerships as well as to showcase TERI's commitment in finding sustainable mountain development solutions'.

'Climate, natural resources and livelihood have an extremely profound interconnection, especially in the context of the Himalayan region. In the purview of climatic changes, this delicate balance between the trios is at peril. Though the challenges are high, such platforms are a step towards the right direction. Garnering knowledge partnerships is the way to tackle the sustainability issue in this region and essential in awareness building', said, Mr. Michel Anglade, Regional Programme Manager Policy and Campaign, Oxfam.

The importance of mountains in our life is enormous. Making up one fifth of the world's landscape (library.thinkquest.org), the majestic mountain ranges across the globe are not just a visual treat but a supply source for millions depending on the mountain ecosystem. Providing a high range of biodiversity from food, hydroelectricity, fresh water, timber and minerals, the mountain ecosystem is becoming increasingly significant in our live and protecting the mountain biome our responsibility.

About TERI: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) was established in 1974. A dynamic and flexible organization, activities in TERI ranges from microbiology to global climate change, from smoke-filled rural kitchens to plush corporate boardrooms, from schoolchildren to heads of state-no sphere of human endeavour is unfamiliar to TERI. The organization works on formulating local and national level strategies to suggesting global solutions to critical energy and environment-related issues. Headed by world-renowned economist Dr R K Pachauri also the head of the Nobel Prize winning UN Climate panel, TERI is best described as an independent, not-for-profit research institute focused on energy, environment, and sustainable development and devoted to efficient and sustainable use of natural resources. TERI is headquartered in New Delhi, TERI has established regional offices in Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Guwahati and Mukhteshwer in the Himalaya's and International centers in Japan, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Washington DC, and London.

About Oxfam India: Oxfam India is a newly restructured Indian non-governmental organization integrating the 60 year old India operations of 6 separate International Oxfam affiliates working in the country. A rights-based organization, Oxfam fights poverty, gender justice, economic justice and other humanitarian issues. Oxfam also vigorously pursues linking grassroots programmes with policy advocacy. The new organization is a national entity with presence in 6 cities and a staff if 120 people working towards implementing new and existing programmes through more than 200 partners and allies, and building a strong national international advocacy capacity.


CONTACT DETAILS
Rajiv Chhibber, TERI, +91 9810426698, rajivc@teri.res.in
Lalima Bose, TERI, +91 9810161449, lalima.bose@teri.res.in

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS SERVICES, ENERGY, MEDIA, WATER

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