Biodiversity conservation in the Himalaya has primarily focused on Protected Area Networks (PAN), which are concentrated in mid to high elevations. However, maximum biodiversity—including many threatened and endemic species is found in the lower elevations, where expanding PAN is limited due to high human population density. These areas are also undergoing rapid transformation, with traditional agro-ecosystems being replaced by monocultures, industrial zones, or abandoned lands, resulting in biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and ecological imbalance. Traditional Agroforestry Systems (TAFS), rooted in indigenous knowledge, offer multifunctional benefits supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, and livelihoods. Yet, they lack legal protection and an ecological framework for conservation and enhancement across the Indian Himalaya. This project addresses these critical gaps by recognizing, evaluating, and strengthening TAFS as sustainable nature-climate solutions. Specific objectives are

• Identify and map existing TAFS in the Sikkim-Darjeeling region from biophysical, socio-economic, and management perspectives.
• Assess biodiversity value and ecosystem services of TAFS using data from a previous NMHS project.
• Evaluate the potential of TAFS as nature-based climate solutions using standardized indicators.
• Strengthen selected pilot TAFS by integrating biodiversity and climate resilience frameworks through capacity building and material support.

The project will be led by Sikkim University in collaboration with ATREE Eastern Himalaya–Northeast India. The project is funded by the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), MOEF, Govt of India.