News

In memoriam: Pushkin Phartiyal

24.02.2016

We are deeply saddened to report the loss of Dr Pushkin Phartiyal, who represented the Central Himalayan Environment Association (CHEA)  within the Mountain Partnership. Born in March 1968, he passed away at the beginning of February 2016.

As CHEA Executive Director of and Governing Councillor of the Integrated Mountain Initiative, Phartiyal led efforts to promote the sustainable development of the Himalayas for more than 15 years. Concerned about rural mountain poverty, climate change and natural resource management, he strove to build a green economy in the remote Himalayan regions, conducted training on integrated adaptation into development planning and studies on scaling up climate change adaptation strategies. He endeavoured to bring marginalized mountain communities into the market economy, creating incentives to conserve limited resources and improve forest regeneration and water management.

He was instrumental in launching IMI for better coordination among the 12 mountain states and policies that benefit the mountain communities in India. His colleagues attribute him with achieving increased natural resource-based microenterprises, greater participation of women and community resilience in the areas where he worked. Known for his generous sharing of knowledge and experience in India and globally, he will be missed by the Partnership.

Pushkin was a Synergos Senior Fellow, Ashoka Fellow and Leadership in Environment and Development Fellow who received numerous other prestigious fellowships and awards, notably the National Award for Excellence in Writing from the Government of India on three different occasions.

Leaving behind a wife and family, his sudden departure prompted an outpour of condolence messages from his countless friends and colleagues.On behalf of the Partnership, we extend our condolences to his friends and family to whom we wish strength and courage.

Photo: Integrated Mountain Initiative