Sustainable mountain development summit from Oct 3-5

Shimla : Deliberations on ecological, social and economic drivers of change will mark the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit VII to be held here from October 3 to 5, organisers announced on Tuesday.

Integrated Mountain Initiative in New Delhi and Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment in Shimla have joined hands with Shoolini University of Solan to organise the summit. More than 150 delegates from across India are expected to participate.

The event will also witness a Chief Ministers' and Legislators' Conclave of the Himalayan states.

It will integrate viable recommendations for policies that enable sustainable agricultural development. The delegates will also discuss the role of mountain farmers in adding value to ecosystem services, a statement by summit organisers said.

Representatives of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and the Swiss Development Cooperation will also come together to discuss the socio-ecological and economic development of Himalayan farmers.

"The overall objective of the conclave is to provide a platform for the mountain states to come together to discuss issues related to the themes, and find ways to influence national and state policies on the same," P.K. Khosla, Vice-Chancellor of Shoolini University said.