The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development's (ICIMOD) Regional Program on Transboundary Landscapes received the 2018 Outstanding Achievement Award presented by the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation on June 29, 2018.  

Begun in 2012, ICIMOD's Transboundary Landscapes program is focused on the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) area. The program advocates the use of the landscape approach for managing biodiversity, an approach that delineates areas based on shared ecosystems instead of administrative boundaries.  

By facilitating cooperation with over 55 government and non-government institutions between countries, the program is implementing four initiatives in parts of Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. 

The Kailash Sacred Landscape and Development Initiative, flagship of the Transboundary Landscapes program, is an example of the program’s success. China, India and Nepal have established a collaborative and interactive platform for bio-culture diversity conservation and ecosystem management in the Kailash Sacred Landscape.  

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is responsible for organizing and coordinating program implementation and supporting ICIMOD’s initiatives on transboundary landscapes.  

The Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, in collaboration with other CAS partners from Chengdu Institute of Biology, Kunming Institute of Botany, as well as Sichuan University and Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, has implemented thematic components of the program, including projects for innovative livelihoods, ecosystem management, access and benefit-sharing of biodiversity, and long-term environmental and socio-economic monitoring.  

This initiative provides a scientific basis for government policies and community development for efforts such as the protection of cultural heritage resources, the development of tourism resources in Ngari Prefecture.

For further information: 

About RNRF and the award announcement: https://www.rnrf.org/awards.html  

About the transboundary landscape program: http://www.icimod.org/?q=rps_landscapes