Central Himalayan Environment Association

Initiated in 1981 by a group of persons deeply concerned for the preservation of environment and appropriate development of the Himalayan region in general and the Central Himalayan region of India in particular, the Central Himalayan Environment Association (CHEA) is a non-profit, independent body registered under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860. In the course of about two decades time, CHEA has contributed to creating conditions that enable village communities to manage natural resources and benefit from them on a sustainable basis. The Association is committed to the cause of sustainable development. , There are major threats to biodiversity and environment in the region from various conflicts over resource management and the manner in which development is taking place. Lack of environment- oriented regional planning and appropriate policy instruments to regulate unplanned development and provide incentives for sustainable practices are leading to imbalance in development. CHEA has resolved to concentrate and consolidate its initiatives and interventions under the following four Themes: , I. Climate Change, with specific reference to Mountains and Adaptation Activities for Mountain regions; , II. Rural Livelihood Initiatives in mountain regions for mitigating Rural Poverty, , III. Art, Culture and Handicrafts promotion in mountains. , IV. Documentation on the Mountains and the Regional Best Practices