GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development - North East Unit
The North East unit of the GB Pant institute of Himalayan Environment and Development is involved in documentation of the many traditional agricultural practices of the region. The institute has researched on indigenous knowledge of soil and water conservation practices among farmers in the north east India. A major project involves documenting the traditional ecological knowledge with reference to biodiversity and natural resource management of the Apatani and other tribes of the Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.
The G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED), established in 1988-89, is an autonomous Institute of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Govt. of India. The Institute's programmes are designed such that it explores the linkages between sociocultural, ecological, economic and physical systems that could lead to sustainability in the Indian Himalayan Region. The Institute follows a multidisciplinary and holistic approach. The R&D programmes of the institute emphasise inter linkages between natural and social sciences, the preservation of fragile mountain ecosystems, indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable use of natural resources. A conscious effort is made to ensure participation of local inhabitants for long term acceptance and success of various programmes. Training and environmental education and awareness for different stakeholders are essential components of all the R&D programmes of the Institute.