Development and implementation of science-based springshed management in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

Organised by: Resilient Mountain Solutions (RMS) Initiative, ICIMOD

About the meeting

The primary objective of this partners’ meeting is to reflect on the progress of and develop plans for an project on the development and implementation of science-based springshed management in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The specific objectives are as follows:

• Review the overall progress of the project
• Prepare output-wise plans and the way forward
• Chart a way forward on a decision support system (DSS) and cost–benefit analysis
• Explore synergies with ongoing programmes on springshed management

Background

To address the issue of drying springs and evolving threats to water security across the region, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) signed an agreement in October 2020 for an project on the development and implementation of science-based springshed management in the IHR. The project is supported under SDC’s project on Strengthening State Strategies for Climate Action (SCA-Himalaya). ICIMOD is collaborating with the Advanced Center for Water Resources Development and Management (ACWADAM), Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R), and People’s Science Institute (PSI), along with government and nongovernment partners, to implement this action research for advancing scientific knowledge, building capacity, and developing a DSS for springshed management.

Objectives of the project

This project primarily aims to scientifically advance a methodology for springshed management and implementation of inclusive springshed management plans. The project contributes to the sustainable management of springsheds in the IHR to ensure water security and enhance socioecological and climate resilience. The project also aims to bring in innovation to strengthen national, state, and local capacities for springshed management through the development of a DSS.

The action research under the project is being implemented in four pilot locations in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Manipur. While the field implementation of this project will be across the four pilot sites in the IHR, the lessons from the experience will be used for scaling up spring rejuvenation activities at the regional level. The project has the following four outputs:

Output 1: Evidence-based information and knowledge developed through action research

Output 2: Improved knowledge and skills for mainstreaming and scaling up springshed management through capacity building

Output 3: Policy and decision-making processes supported for expanding springshed management in the IHR

Output 4: Project findings strategically communicated at local, national, regional, and global levels

Agenda