FAO.org

The Himalayan Forest Research Institute held a conference on “Mountain Cultures: celebrating diversity and strengthening identity” in celebration of International Mountain Day on 11 December in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. In their discussions, the scientists, officers, research scholars and staff of the Institute highlighted the importance of mountains to life, and to the indigenous peoples and cultures that mountains in India are home to. They also expressed their concerns for the erosion of traditional culture due to urbanization and out-migration.