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Lifestyle
Framework for valuing ecosystem services in the Himalayas - An ICIMOD technical report
Posted on 17 Feb, 2012 12:12 PMThis has been a generic first attempt that can be fine-tuned and customised for each type of ecosystem and each kind of service value. Ecosystem services are defined by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment as ‘the benefits people obtain from ecosystems'.
Mountains occupy 24% of the global land surface area and are home to 12% of the world’s population. Mountains have an ecological, aesthetic, and socioeconomic significance, not only for those living in the mountain areas, but also for people living beyond them. However, the importance of ecosystem services arising from mountains is not properly recognised. The HKH region is endowed with a rich variety of gene pools and species, and ecosystems of global importance. It is a storehouse of biological diversity and a priority region in many global conservation agendas. The region has many unique ecosystems that play a critical role in protecting the environment and in providing livelihoods for much of Asia and beyond.
Adapting to climate change - Conserving rice biodiversity of the Apatani tribe in North East India - An IGREC working paper
Posted on 15 Feb, 2012 11:47 PMIt also deals with the threat to the biodiversity in the area due to climate changes and argues for the need to devise adaptation strategies at an urgent level to preserve the unique genetic variability of the region and the indigenous knowledge of farming practices in the area.
"Bottle it up: We can use it" - Scientific studies on human urine - A presentation by Arghyam
Posted on 10 Feb, 2012 11:13 AMThis presentation by Arghyam includes the results of doctoral study done by G Sridevi under the guidance of Prof.
FBM and NECEER, Imphal are going to organise a photo exhibition in March 2012 at New Delhi
Posted on 02 Feb, 2012 02:09 PMDescription:
For a Better Manipur (FBM) and NECEER, Imphal are going to organise a photo exhibition cum contest in March 2012 at New Delhi. Photographers from different parts of the country and across the globe can participate in the photography competition by sending in their photos.
Community monitoring in water and sanitation projects - A facilitators manual by PRIA
Posted on 02 Feb, 2012 11:59 AMThis manual is based on the work that PRIA was involved in that included facilitating the process of social development and monitoring, and for guiding the process of developing models for community monitoring linked to community action, for child survival and development in six project sites in India.
This manual is divided into three key sections:
Tank irrigation in Karnataka: A historical survey
Posted on 24 Jan, 2012 06:12 AMThe book covers entire eras from the ancient to the current period. It also gives information about the structural, financial and institutional aspects of tank construction and management.
The full book is available for download on the India Water Portal. Please right-click on the cover page image of the book, and select 'Save link as', to download the full book.
Hydropower in the Northeast: Potential and harnessing analysis - A critique
Posted on 15 Jan, 2012 11:41 PMThe main objectives of the hydropower study are as follows:
- An analysis of the hydropower potential in the Northeast and key elements of the strategy that should be followed for optimal realization of this potential
- An overview of the hydropower development options in the Northeast with regard to the water resources in the different river basins, including consideration of flood control and irrigation
Map of the north-east states
Wetlands for water quality management – The science and technology: A paper from Current Issues in Water Management
Posted on 10 Jan, 2012 10:24 PMThe introduction begins witha brief overview of wetlands: their nature and services offered. These wetlands are ecosystems with water that is static or flowing and characerized by emergent , floating and submerged aquatic vegetation. Some of the services provided by wetlands are fish and fiber, water supply, water purification, flood regulation, recreational opportunities and tourism. It then details the importance of wetlands for water purification.Toxins enter the wetlands through farms, factories and runoff. These toxins are broken down or otherwise buried using a variety of bacteria.
Location map of Keoladeo National Park
Changing currents: Plumbing the rights: A film highlighting water as a common good
Posted on 10 Jan, 2012 08:55 PMSource: Culture Unplugged
Big dams and protests in India: A study of Hirakud dam – An article in EPW
Posted on 06 Jan, 2012 12:29 PMIt is evident that the domestic resistance to the project was variously compromised by nationalist rhetoric, imperatives of state development and absence of transnational support. The Hirakud dam project has failed on all of its objectives – flood management, hydropower production, irrigation and navigation. Its socio-economic impact has been devastating.