A modeling approach for natural resource management in nature protection areas in the Indian Himalayan region

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to critically evaluate the concept of ecosystem conservation in the areas where human and ecosystem interactions are really complex as – in one of the biodiversity hotspots – the Himalayas in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The research results reported in this paper are the outcome of empirical studies performed for last 12 years in the Himalayas, combined with a review of available literature, discussions with stakeholders and experimental‐design in the field conditions.

Findings

The paper identifies that conservation and management of the ecosystems/landscapes and the development of the local economy are interwoven. It evaluates the landscape management and development in economic and ecological perspectives and concurrently develops the theoretical model to understand the change in human behavior under shifting political, socio‐economic and environmental conditions.

Practical implications

Through the development of a theoretical agent model this study would help the design and development of sound methodological approaches in providing feasible solutions for complex human‐ecosystems interactions for sustainable landscape development in the fragile Himalayan environment.

Originality/value

This paper is original and shows that the development of a model framework and of appropriate models for natural resource management in the Himalayan region are still very limited and the paper is an initiative in this endeavor.

Citation

Nautiyal, S. and Kaechele, H. (2008), "A modeling approach for natural resource management in nature protection areas in the Indian Himalayan region", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 335-352. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777830810866455