Proven knowledge products and good practices shared and possible sustainable mountain specific solutions committed

Organization of collective research and pilot actions and projects to strengthen the nexus between water, food, and energy in the post Rio+20 scenario,

Concrete identification of green economy pilots and actions in and beyond the mountains

Commitment of knowledge networking and management actions to implement new mountain agenda

Generating knowledge solutions for national, regional, and global sustainability:
Enhancing food, water and energy security will require research-based knowledge development and transfer that can influence policies, and appropriate institutional framework in Mountains. Technical knowhow can also build infrastructures that can enhance water, food and energy supply. ICIMOD and its eight member countries in the Himalayan region plans to develop knowledge solutions and technical expertise through collaborative research, networking and regional co-operation in the Himalayan region.

Mountains are sources of rich biodiversity providing diverse food, nutrition and medicinal forest products. These services are vital for human wellbeing, both in the mountains and downstream, and especially for improving the lives of indigenous, marginalized, and poor people. Yet all are under threat from rapid changes such as globalization and climate change and we need applicable, accessible and affordable knowledge to adapt to them and create sustainable societies. Research-based knowledge addressing issues including conservation of fresh water resources, critical biodiversity, maintenance of gene pools, and protection of forest, wetland, and rangeland ecosystems, with particular attention to strategies for enhancing people?s livelihoods and wellbeing and action proposals discussed to develop suitable knowledge solutions, especially in adaptation and sustainable development areas.

Lead: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) working in close collaboration with the partners in its 8 regional member countries in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region