The Himalayas are among the world's most critical mountain systems, underpinning Asia's water and food security, sustaining rich biodiversity and ecosystems, and contributing significantly to regional and global climate stability. However, the region is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, intensifying natural hazards, and growing threats to mountain livelihoods and communities.
The International Conference on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in the Himalayas will bring together scientists, policymakers, practitioners, technologists, entrepreneurs, and young innovators to explore innovative, science-based, and community-driven solutions for sustainable mountain development. The conference will particularly focus on:
• Advancing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate resilience and ecosystem restoration.
• Addressing climate-induced hazards and disaster risk reduction in mountain regions.
• Promoting sustainable livelihoods, green jobs, and climate entrepreneurship.
• Showcasing GeoAI, geospatial technologies, and digital innovations for informed decision-making.
• Strengthening science–policy–practice partnerships for sustainable Himalayan development.
• Fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange across mountain regions.
Through scientific deliberations, technology showcases, policy dialogues, and collaborative partnerships, the conference seeks to co-design actionable pathways for a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Himalayan future.
PURPOSE OF THE CONFERENCE
Provide a regional platform for research, education, policy dialogue, and innovation on Nature-Based Solution (NbS), Natural Climate Solutions (NCS), and GeoAI-enabled environmental planning and management in the Himalayan region.
The conference will bring together leading national and international experts, policymakers, development agencies, practitioners, civil society organizations, and private-sector actors to discuss practical solutions for addressing climate change, flood and drought risks, ecosystem degradation, and livelihood vulnerability in the mountain ecosystem.
CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
• Advance Scientific Innovation in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Natural Climate Solutions (NCS).
• Promote policy integration for NbS/NCS, ecosystem, conservation, and climate resilience.
• Showcase GeoAI, digital technologies, and geospatial innovations for efficient and effective Policy & Action.
• Strengthen NbS education and research; capacity and capability
• Foster international collaboration for sustainable Himalayan development.
• Showcase NbS/NCS livelihood & Green Jobs opportunity
CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
• Improved understanding of NbS and NCS opportunities in Himalayan ecosystems.
• Identification of research priorities for climate-resilient river basins and livelihoods
• Dissemination of emerging knowledge on Geo-AI enabled ecosystem, watershed and wetland restoration; and carbon emission mitigation and markets.
• Guidance on integrating NbS into development and climate change adaptation planning.
• Strengthened engagement with government, academia, environmental organizations and businesses.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• Students/researchers interested in sustainable development in the Himalayas.
• Policy makers, planners, private sector and civil society actors interested in practical and cost-effective solutions to region’s climate-change induced/exacerbated sustainable development problems.
