Call for Submissions: Sustainable Management of High Altitude Rangelands/Wetlands in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

This call seeks to draw upon the collective expertise of practitioners, researchers, indigenous knowledge holders, and stakeholders, allowing for exchange of insights and innovative approaches that can contribute to the preservation and revitalization of these vital ecosystems.

Purpose

• They aim to promote regional learning on best practices and innovative approaches that sustain the multiple ecosystem services of high-altitude rangelands/wetlands in the HKH region while providing good resources for the adaptation and transformation of rangeland-dependent or pastoral communities.  The selected best practices cases will be compiled and published as a compendium of best practices for wider dissemination.

Themes

• Integration of traditional and modern knowledge
• Adoption of new technologies
• Climate change mitigation and adaptations
• Stakeholder participation and inclusion
• Alternative livelihoods
• Innovative incentive mechanisms (payment for ecosystem services)
• Enterprises or high-value rangeland products development
• Multiple uses of rangelands
• Institutions or governance for rangeland management
• Rangeland ecosystem monitoring
• Transformation, sustainability and adaptation of pastoral communities

Funding and Obligations

• Twenty selected best practices will be announced on 30 March 2024. The winning applicants be provided with funding (amount on case basis) for further documentation of the practice. The documented cases will be compiled and published for wider dissemination.
• Disclaimer: the primary focus of the call is on rangelands, with wetlands as an important interface.

Selection Criteria 

• Submissions will be selected based on the following criteria:
  • Relevance: The featured practice must align with the objectives of addressing the issues of high-altitude rangelands and wetlands.
  • Impact and benefits: The practice must demonstrate or have the potential to demonstrate positive impacts on its intended community. The practice must clarify the extent to which it can bring about positive change, improvements, or benefits to the communities.
  • Effectiveness: The practice must have worked and achieved measurable results. Submissions that provide clear and quantifiable evidence of the results achieved are more likely to be selected.
  • Scalability and replicability: The practice must possess the potential for scaling up in the larger HKH context. Practices that can be adapted and replicated in the diverse contexts of the HKH will be prioritised.
  • Innovation and creativity: The featured practice must highlight aspects of creative solutions, adaptive management, or innovation related to the sustainable management and conservation of rangelands and wetlands and their multiple values.
  • Reliable data and evidence: Submissions that are supported by solid evidence, research, or data will be prioritised.
  • Economic sustainability: The proposed practice must be economically viable both in the short term and in the longer term.
  • GESI-friendly: The practice must be responsive to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI).

For more information, visit ICIMOD.