International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), with its headquarters at Kathmandu, Nepal, was set up in 1983.  It is an intergovernmental but independent organization with objective of promoting the development of an economically and environmentally sound mountain ecosystem in the extended Himalayan region (Hindu Kush Himalaya), and to improve the living standards of its mountain communities. ICIMOD is an independent ‘Mountain Learning and Knowledge Centre’ serving the eight countries of the Hindu Kush –Himalayas; Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Mayanmar, Nepal and Pakistan (Regional Member Countries)- and the global mountain community. ICIMOD aims to assist mountain people to understand ongoing environmental changes, adapt to them, and make the most of new opportunities. Three key strategic areas – water, environmental services, and livelihoods – have been identified through intensive consultations with the member countries, and the stakeholders.  The strategic area of work of ICIMOD are: (i) integrated water and hazard management, (ii) environmental change and ecosystem services, and (iii) sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction.

Grants in the form of annual membership contribution are released to ICIMOD on calendar year basis.  The amount of grants released against the last 3 years contribution is as follows:

In addition to the above, one time grant of USD 1 million (Rs. 4.5 crore approximately) was also approved for sanction to ICIMOD Foundation in addition to usual annual contribution, out of which an amount of Rs. 2.25 crore and Rs. 1.07 crores were sanctioned on 30^th January, 2012 and 30^th March, 2012 respectively.  It has been further proposed to sanction/ release the balance amount of Rs. 1.18 crore to ICIMOD Foundation in the current financial year.

ICIMOD’s main achievements in India have been in the following realms:

       i.            Linking natural reasource management to local livelihoods.

     ii.            Integrated Landscape Management for conservation of natural resources.

  iii.            Kailash Sacred Transboundary Landscape Management.

   iv.            Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment on Climate Change.

      v.            Improving land-based livelihood options

   vi.            Sustainable Mountain Tourism

 vii.            Labour Migration

viii.            Value chain development for enhancing livelihood options to local people.

   ix.            Integrated Water and Hazard Management

     x.            Environmental change and ecosystem services

   xi.            Sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction

The above information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan to the Parliament. 

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