With the aim to build capacity of researchers on conceptual and operational aspects of ecosystem management framework, a workshop was organized in Bans-Maitoli micro- watershed in Pithoragarh, India.

Organized by ICIMOD in collaboration with Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the workshop also focused on how to pilot ecosystem management framework for field verification and planning of real case scenario. Situation analysis of three ecosystems – forest, grassland, and agriculture – was carried out by researchers from WII, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Central Himalayan Environment Association, and ICIMOD together with local community representatives to identify major drivers of change and to explore interventions to improve ecosystem services.

The plan was designed by the workshop participants and focused on restoration of degraded sites in forests and grasslands including activities to address problems of invasive species, human-wildlife conflict, and improving watersheds and water availability. The plan was shared with the community members in the presence of government line agencies and was appreciated and approved by the community.

In the closing session, the management plan of Bans-Matoli area was shared with District Magistrate Sushil Kumar and Chief District Officer Vinod G. Goswami of Pithoragarh district and other key government line departments. The two officials assured their commitment in the implementation of the planned activities.

The workshop titled ‘Management for Ecosystem Services: Planning for Bans-Maitoli Micro Watershed of Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI) in India’ took place from 9-13 March 2015 in Pithoragarh, India.

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