Dehradun, May 31: The Himalayas are under pressure. Climate change, shrinking glaciers, frequent disasters and reckless development are raising alarm bells across the mountain region.
Against this backdrop, leading environmentalists, scholars, activists, policymakers and community leaders will gather at Doon University, Dehradun, from June 1 to 3 for the Himalayan Action School: Co-Shaping Sustainable Futures.
The three-day event is being organised by Doon University and ActionAid. It aims to create a platform for frank discussions on the future of the Himalayas.
Unlike conventional conferences, the event will focus on roundtable discussions and open dialogue. Participants will share experiences and jointly explore solutions to mountain challenges.
The inaugural session will be attended by Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, MLA Kishore Upadhaya, Doon University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Surekha Dangwal, former Nepal Foreign Minister Dr. Bimala Rai Paudyal and former Shimla Deputy Mayor Tikender Singh Panwar.
The first day will focus on understanding the Himalayas. Experts will discuss geology, climate change, glacier retreat, biodiversity loss, water stress and increasing natural disasters.
A special session will examine how hydropower projects, tourism, urbanisation and infrastructure expansion are reshaping mountain landscapes.
Veteran Himachal environmentalist O.P. Bhuraita will speak on the geological evolution of the Himalayas.
The second day will focus on governance, livelihoods and social justice. Discussions will cover migration, farming transitions, community economies, local leadership and the challenges faced by mountain societies.
Himachal Pradesh's Kuldeep Verma, Founder-Director of People's Action for People in Need, will participate in discussions on livelihoods and community economies.
The final day will focus on disaster resilience and sustainable futures. Experts will discuss preparedness, ecological vulnerability and community-based adaptation strategies.
The event will conclude with a collective framework for a sustainable Himalayan future. Participants will debate a crucial question: What kind of development is acceptable in one of the world's most fragile mountain ecosystems?
As the Himalayas face growing environmental and social challenges, the Action School hopes to chart a more just, sustainable and people-centred path for the mountains.
