From a global environmental perspective, few other places in the world are as important as the Tibetan Plateau and Himalaya is now concerns about global warming, climate change, receding glaciers, food insecurity and loss of biodiversity all point to the significance of this Asian mountain region in addressing these global challenges. Tackling these issues require greatly increased scientific research, improved understanding of current land use practices, especially of livestock grazing and greater participation by the local people in the entire conservation and development process. Critical examination of existing environmental conservation and economic development policies and programs is required. New perspectives and fresh thinking on how we view the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan landscape is also needed if the unique biodiversity of the region is to be conserved.
