channeling news from high altitude Himalayan wetlands

EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear Reader,

Conservation teaches us new lessons everyday. Apart from opening our minds to novel and innovative solutions engineered to protect and conserve our ecosystems, it also humbles us by demonstrating the true, and often, immeasurable value of these ecosystems. But perhaps, one of the biggest lessons we have learnt is that conservation is not the privilege of a chosen few. It is a passion and a life skill which unites diverse groups of people, irrespective of their education, culture or nationality, resulting in productive partnerships. Such has been revealed to us through our regional efforts in conserving high altitude wetlands in the . The ‘Saving Wetlands Sky-High!’ project has been a journey of discovering new conservation partners and of revelling in team-work.

INSIDE Through this issue of ‘Himalayan Highlights’, we bring you stories of some of our Feature Story new and vibrant partners. We have found them in monasteries, at polo matches, Communities adopt their Wetlands on religious pilgrimages and in research institutions. We have found them in the Making a Difference young and in the old, in students and in preachers, in governments and in the Sporting Conservation people. We have found them in Pakistan, , China, Nepal and Bhutan. But A Journey to New Learning most importantly, we have found them in the Himalayas. Gosaikunda breathes after Janaipoornima Cleanliness next to Godliness Read on to learn how the Himalayas and its ecosystems have inspired people to Strengthening through Science work together and have motivated them to make a difference. What’s new at Gokyo Witnessing change: Glaciers in the Indian The Editorial Team Himalayas Spreading the message Black-necked Crane Art Exhibition Framed: A WWF-Canon Photo contest Hydrological and Ecological value of Water Towers and their role in adapting to Climate Change - A review Securing through policy Conservation Solutions through Team Work Whet your Wetland-Knowledge Longbaotan Lake, China Media Climate Change on the Plateau:The Accounts of Tibet’s Nomadic Herders Ladakh Field Guides

Combating Climate Change in Gokyo Collateral from the ‘Green Hiker’ Campaign. Log onto www.wwfindia.org for more Feature Story COMMUNITIES ADOPT THEIR WETLANDS

Pakistan biodiversity is heightened by the presence The Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, in of native and exotic species of freshwater North Pakistan, is rightfully called the fish and endemic and endangered wildlife ‘Land of Lakes’ as it homes several species like the Snow Leopard, Himalayan magnificent high altitude wetlands. Brown Bear, ibex, wolf and lynx. The Noted among these are the Karambar, beauty of the landscape coupled with its Shandoor, Utter, Handrap and Baha community’s traditional hospitality attracts Lakes in Ishkoman, Fander and Shandoor several hundred tourists from around the Valleys. These lakes are more than just world every year, not to forget the famous freshwater bodies. Their ecological, social Shandoor Polo Festival which is held and economic significance for the local annually in July. populace, as well as, for downstream inhabitants is enormous. More than 1200 All is not well households in Ishkoman and further However, these wetlands and their downstream depend upon the water from biodiversity have been facing serious these lakes for domestic and agricultural challenges. Until recently, these unique use. Besides, the alpine and sub alpine wetlands were threatened by degradation pastures in these regions abound in from anthropogenic interferences, aromatic herbs of high medicinal value. primarily due to lack of awareness among the local people about their ecological Lakes of Value functions and conservation values. Illegal Utter: 107.06 ha, 3,840 m asl shooting of birds, hunting and poaching An innovative community- Handrap: 24.43 ha, 2291.8 m asl of ungulates and carnivores, unwise based ‘Watch and Ward’ Shandoor: 191.73 ha, 3,810 m asl exploitation of fish, both for subsistence system has been put in place and sale, and livestock herding have to train local wildlife guides These freshwater wetlands harbor rich been common practices. But now, these and watchers to address diversity of wild animals, birds and plants practices are adding stress to the land anthropogenic threats to and also provide safe and peaceful around the lake. That apart, nutrient-rich wildlife in the area. stopovers to migratory birds. Their rich run off from the over-grazed pastures into

Below: Phandur Valley home to Shandoor Lake © Babar Khan

2 Himalayan Highlights | February 2010 lakes is a major source of eutrophication few ongoing activities, which have been in the water bodies. Deforestation for fuel instrumental in shaping pro nature attitudes and timber has also been accelerating and the science-based management of erosion and siltation in the lakes. target wetlands.

A stitch in time Despite remoteness, harsh climatic Realising the gravity of the situation, conditions, social hindrances and limited WWF-Pakistan initiated a small resources, WWF aims to continue with its community-based conservation pilot mission of demonstrating best practices in 2004 in Ishkoman Valley, to mobilise communities to care for and conserve their lakes. Since then, efforts are being made jointly with the government departments, local active private organisations, schools and communities for the protection and management of high altitude wetlands.

Starting from July 2007, under the ‘Saving Wetlands Sky-High!’ project, WWF is trying to establish models and best practices on the participatory management of high altitude wetlands for sustained ecological functions and mountain livelihoods. The project intends to protect and manage the ecologically significant Utter and Handrap Wetlands Above: Students in Pakistan’s Shandoor Valley, and participating in cleanup compaign of Hanrdap Lake their associated biodiversity through © WWF-Pakistan community-based conservation methods.

Changing trends

Thus far, after continual efforts, the local Right: Conservator of community has become more aware of Forests inaugurating The Tourist Information Centre in the importance of these fragile wetlands Ishkoman © WWF-Pakistan and has shown interest in conservation initiatives. They are now even more of community-based conservation and vigilant about the use and misuse management of high altitude lakes in of natural resources. An innovative Pakistan. During the remaining project community-based ‘Watch and Ward’ period, emphasis will be placed on system has been put in place to train strengthening social, technical and local wildlife guides and watchers to financial mechanisms for sustained address anthropogenic threats to wildlife long-term management of the Utter and in the area. Hunting, poaching, shooting Handrap-Shandoor wetlands. To ensure and illegal fishing is strictly banned. sustainability of the project even beyond Tourist Information Centres have been WWF’s intervention, community-based established in Ishkoman and Handrap organisations both in Handrap and which receive large numbers of local Ishkoman have been established. WWF is and foreign tourists in the summer. focusing on identifying the training needs Fish farming has been introduced as for these communities and building their an alternative source of income for capacity along those very lines. WWF is communities and check dams have been also training these organisations to raise constructed to control river bank erosion. their own resources through generating Education, awareness, scientific research endowment funds and helping develop links For more information, write to Babar and knowledge-management are a between communities and donor agencies. Khan at [email protected]

3 Making a difference SPORTING CONSERVATION

SHANDOOR, Pakistan environmental and ecological impacts but In 2009, the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental The Shandoor Plateau lies at the border in the year 2008, WWF-Pakistan through Protection Agency led the campaign for between Chitral district of North-West the ‘Saving Wetlands Sky-High!’ project the Polo festival with other government Frontier Province and Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Pakistan Wetlands Programme, departments, line agencies, non in North Pakistan, at an elevation of in collaboration with government government organisations and local 3,810 masl, covering an area of 191.73 departments like the Environmental communities. They also established a ha. Stretching 10 km down eastward, it Protection Agency (EPA) for Gilgit proper mechanism for collection and safe connects with Langer Valley to form the Baltistan, and Gilgit Baltistan Forest and disposal of waste from the site, which magnificent Handrap-Langer-Shandoor Wildlife Department (GBFWD), launched has not only helped in raising awareness Wetlands Complex in the region. the ‘Clean Shandoor’ Campaign on among communities, visitors and other the eve of the Shandoor Festival. Local stakeholders about the ecological The plateau serves as the world’s highest communities and volunteers from the importance of Shandoor Lake but has polo ground which draws thousands of region participated in the campaign and also helped in keeping Shandoor clean. national and international tourists for the played a vital role in ridding Shandoor the Polo match which is played between of solid waste. The campaign included WWF is developing plans to participate in the the teams of Gilgit, Ghizer and Chitral, displaying awareness material, installing festival regularly to save the lakes. Dustbins as part of the famous Shandoor festival. garbage bins for waste collection, have been installed and a landfill site has Every year, during the first week of July, marking restricted and unrestricted zones been constructed for waste management. the area gets thronged by millions of for camping, toilet ditches and wash Plans to form new partnerships are in the people, including players, visitors, vendors, points, and designating appropriate landfill pipeline to help further this endeavour. hoteliers and shop keepers. The festival sites away from the lakes. Approximately attracts fame to the lakes and serves as 4125 kg of solid waste was collected and For more information, write to Babar a lucrative source of income to service disposed off outside the vicinity. Out of Khan at [email protected] providers among the local community. the total solid waste, almost 30 per cent was biodegradable and the remaining 70 But at the same time, the sudden influx of per cent, non biodegradable. several thousand people, in the summer, is a major threat to the fragile ecosystem of the Shandoor Lakes. This is chiefly because summer is the breeding time for most of these wetland species, which use these lakes as breeding grounds, for example, trout fish, water fowl. Besides this, these lakes provide a habitat to mammals like the Himalayan Ibex and Golden Marmot in their immediate catchments. Besides this, many migratory birds such as the Northern Pintail, Common Tail and Grey Heron, stage on these lakes in spring and autumn migration seasons. Moreover, freshwater from these lakes is the only perennial source of water which meets the community’s domestic and agricultural needs. A festival of this magnitude is sure to drastically impact the ecosystem in this region.

For many years, the Shandoor Polo Festival remained unnoticed for its

Right: Collected waste after the ‘Clean Shandoor’ Campaign © WWF Pakistan and PWP

4 Himalayan Highlights | February 2010 Making a difference A JOURNEY TO NEW LEARNING

LADAKH, India based tourism initiatives in Hemis National programme concluded with a field Under the ‘Saving Wetlands Sky-High!’ Park and other parts of Ladakh. This was trip to Tsomoriri Lake, a high altitude Project, in India, WWF has initiated followed by a meeting with the Wildlife wetland and pilot site for conservation conservation of high altitude wetlands Warden who highlighted efforts made by in this segment of the Himalayas. in two parts of the Himalayas – the the Department of Wildlife Protection, Here, their learning was augmented Western Himalayas which include the states of Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, and the Eastern Himalayas which include the states of and . Conservation in the Western Himalayas was initiated over a decade ago resulting in the development of field-based pilot projects on which other conservation projects are being modelled. This success can be attributed to the active involvement of the Indian Army, local communities, government agencies and other non-governmental organisations.

In order to ensure the smooth sharing of knowledge and experiences among the conservation partners and stakeholders from both parts of the Himalayas, WWF Group from Eastern Himalayas at Tsomoriri Lake, Ladakh © Dawa Tsering /WWF-India organised an exchange programme in September 2009. Here, conservationists Government of Jammu and Kashmir in through nature trails, exposure to from the Eastern Himalayan states in India Ladakh. He told them about how the scientific documentation techniques travelled across to the Western Himalayan management plans for the Tsomoriri and and interactions with owners of local states to interact with and learn from Tsokar Lakes were jointly developed by home stays. They also learnt of the joint stakeholders there. Officials from the WWF and the Department of Wildlife conservation partnership between WWF, State Forest Departments, Lamas from Protection and accepted by the Union the Department of Wildlife Protection and the Monastery in Arunachal Ministry of Environment and Forests. He local communities. Pradesh and representatives from the also explained the process involved in Tsomgo Pokhari Samrakshan Samiti in designating Tsomoriri Lake in Ladakh as a In return, the President of the Pokhari Sikkim (a local wetland conservation Wetland of International Importance under Samrakshan Samiti shared his five years group) were part of this entourage. the Ramsar Convention. of experience in conserving high altitude wetlands in the state of Sikkim. The As part of this exposure visit, the group The team visited the Defence Institute visiting forest officers from Arunachal from the Eastern Himalayas visited and of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) and Pradesh and Sikkim also shared their interacted with government officials from interacted with scientists working on experiences from their respective the Wildlife Department, Government of medicinal plant cultivation and horticulture. states, and so did the Lamas of Tawang Jammu and Kashmir, religious leaders During their visit to the Students Monastery who took a keen interest in all from Buddhist Monasteries, teachers Educational and Cultural Movement of these discussions. from the Central Institute of Buddhist Ladakh (SECMOL), the team learnt about Studies and scientists from research eco-friendly architecture, efficient use institutions in Ladakh. They first met with of solar energy especially for domestic For more information, write to representatives from the Snow Leopard purposes and local garbage management Pankaj Chandan at Conservancy and learnt about their techniques which are being practiced [email protected] education, awareness and community- by the local communities in Ladakh. The

Making a difference 5 Making a difference GOSAIKUNDA BREATHES AFTER JANAIPOORNIMA

GOSAIKUNDA, Nepal The Hindu festival of Janaipoornima is celebrated every year in Nepal with great enthusiasm, during July/August (Shrawan/Bhadra) when the moon is full. It is also called Rishitarpani and sees approximately 20,000 pilgrims visiting the holy high altitude lake (and WWF conservation site), Gosaikunda for worship. During the festival, this massive inflow of people in the area, leads to the open dumping of solid waste around the lake, making the management of waste and sanitation difficult.

Pilgrims bathing in Gosaikunda © Hira Bahadur Gurung/WWF Nepal To address this problem, officials from Langtang National Park, along with local NGOs, eco-clubs and army personnel mobilised themselves to work towards minimising pollution, with the support of the visiting pilgrims. Inspired by this effort, the eco-club network in the area got its members to collect 200 kg of waste (both degradable and non-degradable) and to dump it separately into pits. Moreover, the members of the Community-Based Anti- poaching Operation (CBAPO) were given the responsibility to monitor the pilgrims so that they do not collect wild flowers, sticks and plants during the festival.

Right: Devotees gather at the lake to celebrate Janaipoornima © Hira Bahadur Gurung/WWF Nepal Instructions on what to do and what not to do were communicated to pilgrims during the festival, with the help of three microphones.

For more information, write to Neera Pradhan at [email protected]

Below: Waste being collected after the festival © Hira Bahadur Gurung/WWF Nepal

6 Himalayan Highlights | February 2010 Making a difference CLEANLINESS NEXT TO GODLINESS

HIMACHAL PRADESH, India extraction of medicial plants are more conscious effort to lower their footprint Most Himalayan high altitude wetlands are factors on this list of perils. Evidently, the and adopt cleaner practices to help sacrosanct for local communities due to ecosystem of Manimahesh Lake is in grave clean the lake and its surroundings, while religious and mythological values ascribed danger of perishing. others have advised on ways to expand to them. One such wetland is Manimahesh the campaign so as to reach a wider Lake, in Himachal Pradesh. Located in the Recognising the urgency to address this target audience. Local communities in the Budhil Valley, at the base of the Kailash matter, WWF-India has taken the initiative area have also united with the pilgrims to Peak, Manimahesh lies in to generate awareness among these very help clean the lake after the . at an elevation of 4,088 masl. A 14 km- pilgrims to help conserve this holy wetland. long trek, starting from Harsar village to a The process started in 2008 with the This year, WWF-India is planning to small lake called Gauri Kund, takes one to WWF-India Field Office in Shimla organising conduct a meeting with all stakeholders, this Lake. a four-day environmental awareness including the local administration and campaign from Bharmour to the lake during communities in the month of June, on Believed to be the mythical abode the Manimahesh Yatra. Lucid posters the onset of the yatra. Better plans and of Lord , this oval lake receives listing out ‘Dos and Don’ts for Tourists’ strategies to increase the effectiveness of tourists and pilgrims every year, from and pamphlets highlighting the ecological the campaign will be discussed, as well April to September. They also join the importance of these wetlands were pasted as, inclusively sharing responsibility with all Manimahesh Yatra (pilgrimage) in August/ and displayed in temples, food stalls and stakeholders will be practiced. WWF will September, a mass Hindu pilgrimage, shops along the trek. These pamphlets were generate new information and awareness the highlight of which is a ritual bath in also distributed to pilgrims on their way to material and will also request the local the lake accompanied by prayers to the lake and at the time of registration and government department to depute the reflection of Kailash Peak. On an amongst owners of tents, shops, tea stalls, supervisors to check all damage causing average, more than 300,000 pilgrims visit organisers of the langars (open kitchens) activities during the pilgrimage. Manimahesh Lake every year, though in and local communities. WWF-India also 2009 the figures touched 700,000. In held interactions at the individual level with For more information, write to fact, the number of vehicles used reached pilgrims, tea stall owners, taxi operators and Sanjeev Sharma at 25,000! government officials. [email protected]

The mammoth proportions of waste The campaign was well-received with and degradation caused to the lake in pilgrims showing a keen interest in learning such pilgrimages is often understated. about ways to protect Manimahesh. Leftover food, plastic water bottles and Most of them have promised to make a food wrappers strewn all over the place, are only some of the blaring evidence of this degradation. Fruits and offerings made to the lake (usually wrapped in plastic), clothes which get washed into the lake during ritual baths, and human excreta spotting the periphery of the lake are the other visible symptoms of the massive pollution that this wetland has to suffer. The presence of tea stalls and tents near the lake, coupled with the absence of proper toilet facilities adds to the pressure. And to escalate the gravity of the situation, also dumped into the lake are the remnants and innards of sheep carcasses which are sacrificed as part of Manimahesh encircled by tents © Sanjeev Sharma/ WWF-India religious rituals! Diesel generators, blaring loud speakers, concrete sheds and illegal

Making a difference 7 Strengthening through Science

WHAT’S NEW AT GOKYO • There are signs of human interferences WITNESSING CHANGE: proved on the basis of the faecal GLACIERS IN THE INDIAN Following the progress in the research contamination in the area with coliform HIMALAYAS conducted by the Aquatic Ecology Centre bacteria, which indicates increased (AEC), Kathmandu University, Nepal, human presence. This report by WWF-India and Birla reported in the last issue of Himalayan • Lake sediment analysis by the Institute of Technology (BIT), Extention Highlights, more headway has been made measurement of 210Pb and 137Cs Centre, Jaipur presents the analysis of since then. Under the leadership of Professor isotopes, using CRS model, indicated an on-going research on two Himalayan Subodh Sharma, in collaboration with WWF- that the sedimentation rate of Gokyo glaciers - Gangotri and Kafni from 2006 to Nepal, this research is being done in the Lake is 0.07 cm per annum. 2009. The study explores how the glaciers Gokyo Wetland Series for a period of three • The study of macroinvertebrate in the Indian Himalayas are changing, years (July 2008 to June 2011). Results from compositions at inlets and outlets of by using scientific data and empirical one and half years of study in the Gokyo the lakes with the application of Original evidence of ground level parameters. wetlands have shown some signs of climate NEPBIOS/ASPT gave water quality To understand the impact of hydro- change impacts on aquatic biodiversity. classes from I-III (I as Excellent and V as meteorological parameters, the team has These are a few recent findings: heavily Polluted) installed two automated weather stations • Head capsule studies of non biting • Preliminary investigations showed well – one at Bhojwasa near Gangotri and midges (chironomids) in sub fossil developed diatoms flora in springs and another at Kafni. form showed dominance of subtribe air exposed habitat dominated mainly Tanytarsina indicating two extremely by taxa belonging to the genera Eunotia, The initial results from the field study cold and one warm period of short indicate that the Himalayan glaciers are Below: Study of macroinvertebrates on site duration in past 150 years. It also © Olivier Faber retreating, but at a reduced rate and the larger glaciers like Gangotri are unlikely to disappear in the near future, due to their large mass balance. Hence, smaller glaciers in the Himalayas are proving more vulnerable to climate change impacts.

The research also says that the impacts of glacial retreat on livelihoods, ecosystems and biodiversity have been underestimated so far. Communities living closer to Gangotri have indicated changes in snowfall levels in winter, resulting in less soil moisture, which in turn is changing cropping patterns and availability of water. showed a prolonged warm period Pinnularia, Fragilaria s.l., Achnanthes The report also discusses the areas where in the recent years unlike past. s.l., and Cymbella s.l. more focus is needed, like enhancing the Pseudodiamesa is usually associated • The salt tracer measurements indicated monitoring of smaller glaciers, addressing with extremely cold waters. Absence that the lakes in Gokyo wetlands are data challenges, development of regional of this genus in recent years might be not only connected by surface flow, but climate models and engagement of most indicative of climatic change. the glacier probably contributes its part communities in developing suitable Rheocricotopus and Eukiefferiella may underground. Estimated surface inflow adaptation responses. be derived from inflowing streams and of Second Lake is about 400 l/s. have become less abundant in recent • The study showed that there is a years. The number of head capsules per water flow from the glacier towards level is rather low in the core sediments the wetland. However, Lake Six is taken in May 2009. To understand completely separated from the other clearly the cause of temperature lakes and it drains straight onto the fluctuations in the past and rise in glacier due to a collapsed side moraine. recent years, as reflected by midge • Temperature loggers were set in the assemblages, it is important to obtain watersheds of Gokyo wetlands to find out more core sediments. the presence of permafrost in the region.

8 Himalayan Highlights | February 2010 Spreading the message

BLACK-NECKED CRANE FRAMED: A WWF-CANON HYDROLOGICAL AND ART EXHIBITION PHOTO CONTEST ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF WATER TOWERS AND THEIR WWF-India celebrated Wildlife Week ROLE IN ADAPTING TO with an exhibition of paintings and CLIMATE CHANGE photographs of the Black-necked Crane, - A REVIEW on October 6 and 7, 2009 at the WWF- India, Secretariat. The exhibition, titled A review study titled ‘Hydrological and ‘Black-necked Cranes: Symbols of Ecological Value of Water Towers and Sacredness of this Earth’ represented their Role in Adapting to Climate Change’ an unconventional mixture of biological was initiated by WWF, with UNESCO-IHE science and art, with the beauty and as a technical partner. The objective was magnificence of the bird captured on Above: First Prize, ‘Mighty Sentinel’ © Nimisha to examine the present state of scientific canvas and film. The oil paintings done by knowledge about high altitude wetlands, artist Purnima Bakshi Kanwar depicted WWF-India, in partnership with Canon their ecological and hydrological functions, the endangered bird against bold hues exhibited some of the finest photographs the possible effects of climate change on and with a myriad interesting components representing the great Himalayas, following these ecosystems, and to identify critical adding to its marvel. The paintings ‘Framed’, the online WWF-Canon data gaps. Two conceptual frameworks represented a unique synthesis of the Photography Contest held on the same were developed for the analysis of Western and Chinese schools of painting. theme from August 20 – September 30, different drivers that influence wetland 2009. The unique exhibition of the winning development, its functions and processes, The exhibition also featured entries was launched at the WWF-India as well as, wetland goods and services, photographs of the crane premises in October 2009. and to analyse possible influences of by Mahesh Nair and Pankaj ecosystem disturbances. This study Chandan, in its natural The photographs, shot by a varied group of revealed the critical knowledge gaps in habitat. However, the nature enthusiasts were judged and scored the understanding of and research on exhibition was not just visual. by an expert panel of renowned judges – one of the most vulnerable ecosystems, A very unique feature was Nature filmmaker, Mike Pandey; Editor of as far as, climate change impacts are the sessions of Eco-poetry Better Photography, K. Madhavan Pillai; concerned. More detailed quantitative – poetry recital on the theme and Wildlife Photographer, Mahesh Nair. studies of the hydrology, biodiversity and of nature and the need for ecosystem goods and services of high consciousness to save our planet. The “Environmental conservation can operate altitude wetlands are required for their sessions, which took place on both days through more ways than one, and sound conservation and management. of the exhibition, highlighted the concept photography is a fantastic medium to of poetry as a tool for the ecological capture the admiration and concern of the This study has been published into revival of Earth. masses in favour of conservation. Science a report, a part of which has been cannot stay averse to culture and beauty published in the Mountain Research Hence, two unusual mediums – art and which can go a long way in spreading and Development (MRD) journal, an poetry were employed to celebrate the awareness about the environment. Canon international journal published by the migratory bird. has been closely associated with our International Mountain Society. It can be conservation efforts for a long time and viewed at: http://www.bioone.org/toc/ together, we are proud to present this mred/30/1 Below: A visitor admiring a painting on display at the exhibition © Ragini Letitia Singh/ WWF-India exhibition of stunning, award-winning pictures of the ecologically and aesthetically valuable Himalayas,” said Ravi Singh, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, WWF-India.

Spreading the message 9 Securing through policy CONSERVATION SOLUTIONS THROUGH TEAM WORK

ARUNACHAL PRADESH, India prevent any disturbance to the lakes by with WWF-India. In a meeting held in Bhagajang Wetland Complex in Arunachal limiting access points for visitors. These August, 2009 at the Tawang Monastery, Pradesh is located in the south-eastern are now proving ineffective in addressing attended by the Head Lama and corner of the , near the recent threats that have arisen due to senior Lamas, officials from WWF-India international border of India and Bhutan. an increase in the number of visitors highlighted various existing threats and It is under the administrative jurisdiction of because of newly built roads, and the pressures on the region and their impacts the Tawang Monastery. All the lakes in the presence of the defense personnel and on Bhagajang. A unique partnership complex, located at an elevation of 4,200- labourers for road construction in the emerged from the meeting accompanied 4,500 masl, are considered to be highly area. In addition to this, there is increased by a new set of defined solutions. Officials sacred by the indigenous Buddhist Monpa pressure on the vegetation cover (in from the Tawang Monastery decided communities living here. particular, Rhododendron) for firewood to put an immediate ban on the cutting and an acute problem of accumulation of of firewood from the area, and as an Every year between July and September, non-biodegradable waste in the lakes, left alternative, WWF-India promised to 10,000-15,000 Buddhist pilgrims from behind by rubber balloons which are tied provide high-efficiency kerosene stoves Tawang and West Kameng districts of to khadas (offerings tied in scarves) to lend to the monastery which would be used India and Bhutan visit these lakes on them buoyancy in water. by visitors for cooking during their stay. pilgrimages. The catchment areas of the The monastery also decided on strict lakes are also used as grazing grounds Though the old regulations are still being regulations to ensure that visitors to the during summer by local villagers for their followed, yet a need for fresh rules area, if carrying food packed in non- yak and sheep. In addition, the complex and strong partnerships to check the biodegradable packets would return with serves as a reservoir for the Tawang Chu degradation of the catchment area was them or if left with bio-degradable waste River along with a catchment area which felt, which if implemented, would ensure should have dustbins (provided by WWF) supports many rare and threatened flora the conservation of the lakes. in various places for disposal. Specific and fauna. sites would be designated for camping For strengthening the traditional and WWF would help construct toilets Previous rules and regulations for the management system of the Bhagajang near these sites. conservation of the complex were framed Wetland Complex, the Tawang Monastery by the Tawang Monastery, mainly to Authorities have agreed to work jointly A group of four Lamas has been nominated to work in close coordination Below: WWF striking solutions with monks from Tawang Monastery © WWF-India with the officials of WWF-India for the implementation of these regulations. The meeting also came to the conclusion that the decisions of the Tawang Monastery would be communicated among local communities through radio and local newspapers. WWF would help broadcast these new rules through sign boards at different locations, before the next tourist season commences.

For more information, write to Pijush K Dutta at [email protected]

10 Himalayan Highlights | February 2010 Whet your Wetland - Knowledge LONGBAOTAN LAKE, China Longbaotan, located at 4,200 masl, Threats covering an area of 10,000 ha, is situated Degradation of surrounding grasslands due work efficiency, as well as, capacity for in the source region of the Yangtze to over-grazing. strengthening enforcement. River inside the Longbao National Drying up of the wetland due to drought Nature Reserve in the Yushu Tibetan and loss of source springs In addition, WWF staff members have Autonomous Prefecture, in the southern Disturbances to the Black-necked been visiting local communities with Qinghai Province of China. Longbaotan Cranes during nesting season by grazing their partner organisations in order to and its surrounding pastures are livestock and herders, including the understand their needs and threats to the important grazing sites for the livestock destruction of eggs and killing of crane wetland. Campaigns targeting the general belonging to Tibetan herders in the area. chicks by herders’ dogs and predators public, school teachers and students Change in land use patterns and have been launched to increase their Biodiversity increased land privatisation awareness on conservation. Signposts Aquatic: Planktons, fish Infrastructure building have been erected along the roads and Birds: Black-necked Crane, Bar- Pollution caused by an increasing numbers at common areas near the wetland to headed Goose, Brown-headed Gull, of tourists visiting the Yangtze River source discourage illegal poaching, encourage Common Tern, Ruddy Shelduck and area good waste management practices, and Goosander Settling down of nomadic herdsmen on to secure a peaceful habitat for the Black- Mammals: Sand Fox, wolf, pika, the grasslands leading to added pressure on necked Crane and other fauna. Skill marmot, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Argali the wetland training for alternative livelihoods will also or Mountain Sheep, Brown Bear and Climate change (glacier melt, permafrost be provided to local residents. Snow Leopard degradation, moisture draining from soils, Flora: Carex, pygmaea, Kobresia, wetland degradation and desertification) humilis, trollius, pedicularis, Maidong, Qinghai Earthquake Deyeuxia, Capers and Potentilla Recently in Yushu, the Qinghai under this programme include managing earthquake of April 14, 2010, severely solid wastes, controlling grassland damaged buildings and killed Religious significance degradation and recovering pastures. people in Longbaotan. Longbaotan is The Yangtze source area is dotted with Research on climate change is being about 70 km away from Yushu, and about 11,000 lakes, almost all of which conducted by collecting climate witness there is very limited information from remain primeval and untouched, with stories from local senior citizens. WWF Longbaotan about the quake. WWF no source of pollution in their vicinity. and its main government partner, Yushu and Qinghai Forestry Bureau jointly Tibetans believe that high mountains acted on relief work. The first batch are the dwellings of mountain deities of relief food was send to Yushu and waterways the residences of klu and Longbaotan from Xining, capital (naga), and that wildlife, including of Qinghai Province, and WWF will aquatic animals are the livestock of these organize further relief action with wrathful spirits. Therefore, Tibetans local partners. WWF also plans to avoid activities such as mining, polluting, conduct a preliminary assessment hunting and fishing, which they believe of the impacts of this earthquake would annoy these spirits. Some lakes on wetlands and other facets of the are considered holy. Each year, a large environment. number of Tibetans walk round the lake on a pilgrimage. This belief lays the foundation for the protection of nature. For more information, write to Dawa Tsering at Conservation measures Above: Birds in Longbaotan © WWF/China [email protected] Longbaotan has been chosen as the demonstration site for the WWF Prefecture Forestry Bureau and its two conservation project, under which WWF subordinates — Longbao Nature Reserve is trying to reduce the pressure on the Station and Yushu Forestry Police Bureau wetland by temporarily relocating herders — are working with local herders to help and their livestock during the nesting implement the pilot project. Training and season of the Black-necked Crane (April patrol equipment have been provided to June). Other measures being taken to the Forestry Bureau to increase their

Whet your Wetland - Knowledge 11 Media

Report Field Guide: Climate Change on the Tibetan This guide is a comprehensive bank of Mammals of Plateau: The Accounts of Tibet’s information about various key species of Ladakh Nomadic Herders birds found in Ladakh and aims to guide By Tahir shawl, Located at an altitude of 4000 masl, birdwatchers from across the world, Jigmet Takpa, the climate of the Tibetan plateau has visiting the place. The Ladakhi translation Phuntsog been warming up at an accelerated rate is meant to aid the local youth in knowing Tashi, Yamini of 0.16°C/decade affecting the lives and understanding bird species like the Panchaksharam and livelihoods of local populations of endangered Black-necked Crane, Bar- rural herders, shepherds and farmers. headed Goose, Great-crested Grebe Ladakh is home to 33 species of WWF China, through the Climate and many more in their own language. mammals, in particular the richest wild Witness Project, has documented This effort is also aimed at reducing the sheep and goat community, all of them stories and anecdotal evidence from anthropogenic pressure, which is being being listed under different Schedules local communities living in the Tibet seen as one of the major threats to the of the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Autonomous Region of the plateau in an survival of bird species in Ladakh. (Protection) Act, 1978 (Amended 2002). effort to complement scientific records Apart from that, the Snow Leopard, on climate change in the Tibetan Plateau Field Guide: Tibetan Antelope, pikas, Wild Yak, and to raise awareness about the plight Floral Diversity Himalayan Brown Bear, Royle’s Mountain of a people lesser known to the rest of Ladakh Vole and a numerous other species are of the world. You can order a copy of By OP found in Ladakh. The fauna of eastern this publication by writing in to Chaurasia, Ladakh is influenced by the Tibetan [email protected] Nisa Khatoon, Plateau while the central and eastern Shashi Bala parts of this region are influenced by the Educational Material Singh Himalayan and Central Asian species. Ladakh Field Guides Film These booklets belong to a series of This guide comes from a thorough Combating Climate Change in bilingual (English and Ladakhi) field guides study of 69 medicinal, aromatic and Gokyo developed by WWF-India, Defence other important plant specimens of This short documentary film, made by Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) ethnobotanical significance. These have WWF Nepal reveals the signs and impacts and Department of Wildlife Protection, been described along with brief botanical of climate change on the Gokyo Lake Government of Jammu and Kashmir. To notes, habit and habitat, ethnobotanical Series in Nepal, representing the state order a copy, contact [email protected] uses and status. The guide also briefly of other freshwater ecosystems in the describes high altitude vegetation Himalayan region. Besides the threats that Field Guide: categorizing it into Alpine mesophytes, people and livelihoods face, the film talks Birds of Oasitic vegeatation and Desert vegetation about the solutions being sought to tackle Ladakh along with describing typical plant climate change impacts. For example, By Pankaj behaviour and mechanisms which help the scientific research being conducted Chandan, them adapt to such altitudes. Most in Gokyo by the Aquatic Ecology Centre Mohd. Abbas, floral species have medicinal properties. (AEC), Kathmandu University on the Parikshit Educational Material impacts of climate change on aquatic Gautam biodiversity and hydrological systems, and the combined efforts of the authorities for the better management of the area are also highlighted. To order a copy, contact [email protected]

The Regional Team Himalayan Glaciers, Rivers and High Altitude Wetlands Programme (Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan and China) WWF-India 172/B, Lodi Estate, New Delhi - 110003 Tel: +91 - 11 - 43516202 E-mail: [email protected], www.wwfindia.org