Sustainable Development and Livelihood Opportunities in the Himalayan Region of Eastern India

Mountain communities have a high dependence on regional ecosystems for their livelihood and survival. Despite various initiatives, the mountain ecosystem continues to face an increasing threat from various drivers of change at the global and local levels. Climate-induced changes in regional precipitation have affected the hydrological and nutritional cycles in the mountains. Such impacts have also been felt in the Eastern Himalayan region of India both due to climate change and “development” interventions. At higher altitudes climate change manifests in retreating glaciers, drying up of springs, and warm winter that makes preservation of seeds difficult and livestock more vulnerable. In lower altitudes, there is an increased incidence of the outbreak of pests, diseases in crops and livestock. Damages and loss of property and life due to landslips are more frequent in the middle and lower altitudes where settlement density is higher. Different agro-climatic zone in the mountain region shows high variation in vulnerabilities of the communities and factors that affect the sustainability of their livelihood. Coping and adaptive strategies adapted by the communities are identified in this study so that this knowledge can be incorporated into climate change adaptation policies and programs.