While this book focuses on rich biodiversity of Indian Western Himalayan region,
it looks at it from a lens of culture, livelihoods and people. It acknowledges
that people cannot be seen as the problem but must be part of the solution. We
stress not just on diversity - but on harder to measure and quantify values such
as ecosystem services. Putting tangible numbers to these and focussing on the
services this region provides is key to conservation. Not only are the Western
Himalaya the cradle of many of the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent, but
the water, silt and nutrients brought down from the mountains