Himalayan Conservation
and Preservation Society
Himalayan Conservation and Preservation Society (HCPS) is a non-profit organization based in USA
Our Vision:
Inspiring Conservation
Cultivating Understanding
At HCPS, our vision is a sustainable and resilient Himalayan region, where the magnificence of its landscapes and the richness of its cultural heritage are preserved for generations to come. We envision a future where the delicate balance between nature and human communities thrives, supported by a global community that understands and values the significance of the Himalaya.
What we do
HCPS is deeply committed to preserving and conserving the Himalayan region’s natural ecosystems and rich cultural heritage. Through collaborative efforts with local communities, government, universities, and other organizations, we seek to address imminent threats posed by climate change, unbridled development, and lack of adequate information on the region. In our endeavor we emphasize eight critical areas:
We collaborate with local communities, government entities, universities, and various social and conservation organizations to develop and implement strategies for the preservation of the regions’ s unique and diverse ecosystems that are increasingly threatened by climate change and development. These may include flora and fauna, including native forests and wildlife, alpine meadows, vital water sources, and overall biodiversity. With our partners, we conduct in-depth research to understand these ecosystems and identify conservation strategies to mitigate the threats they face.
Conservation is at the heart of our mission and we are committed to safeguarding the Himalayan region's unique cultural heritage and its fragile ecosystems through a range of dedicated efforts. We aim to understand the ecological impacts of climate change, development, tourism, and rapid urbanization to be better equipped to develop conservation programs that help preserve biodiversity under changing conditions. Through environmental conservation efforts, we aim to protect these ecosystems and promote biodiversity, contributing to global efforts in biodiversity conservation and ensuring the resilience of our planet’s ecosystems.
Our research initiatives include community-based conservation and preservation projects, the social implications of climate change, investigating the impact of unplanned development and mass tourism, and the preservation of cultural heritage, including reviving and preserving traditional weaving motifs and practices. We conduct in-depth research studies to gather data on the evolving dynamics of human-environment interactions and to identify how these issues impact local environments. Our results lead to developing conservation strategies to improve these interactions. By collaborating with local and international partners, we implement conservation programs that help preserve biodiversity through adaptive strategies that safeguard species and their habitats.
Recognizing that climate change is an urgent reality, especially in the Himalaya as one of the world's most sensitive hotspots, we actively promote and implement climate resilience and adaptation strategies. These include measures to help communities adapt to shifting weather patterns and to mitigate the risks associated with glacial melt, landslides, and altered rainfall patterns, and drought. We work with local communities to develop sustainable adaptive practices that enable them to cope with changing environmental conditions and reduce their vulnerability to extreme weather events.
The rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Himalayan region is equally vital for us. We work closely with local communities to document and protect cultural practices, languages, and traditions that are at risk of disappearing. By promoting cultural preservation, we ensure that the diverse peoples of the Himalaya continue to thrive, while their heritage endures.
Sustainability is a core value of our organization. In the face of climate change, we believe that sustainable practices will help reduce the Himalayan region's vulnerability to environmental stressors and the impact of human activity on the environment. We promote responsible cultural, ecological and heritage tourism, eco-friendly agriculture, renewable energy solutions, sustainable architecture and building, and responsible land use practices that build resilience to the changing climate.
We believe that knowledge is a powerful tool for change and that raising awareness locally and internationally is essential for conservation. Through educational programs such as field schools and certification programs, workshops, seminars, and public awareness campaigns, we engage individuals, schools, and communities about the importance of the Himalayan region. Our educational programs and public awareness campaigns focus on specific socio-ecological challenges faced by the Himalayan region. Our programs encourage sustainable development, responsible travel, environmentally-conscious choices, and the importance of preserving the Himalaya's fragile ecosystems.
We advocate for policies that prioritize the protection of the Himalayan region, including climate change adaptation and resiliency, and sustainable development. We collaborate with governments and international organizations to influence decisions that have a direct impact on the region's environment and cultural heritage. By striving to shape policy decisions, we hope to ensure that development is harmonious with the environment and cultural heritage.
Why we do it
The Himalayan Conservation and Preservation Society (HCPS) is dedicated to safeguarding the Himalayan region, which is often dubbed the “Water Towers of Asia,” due to its pivotal role in providing water to over two billion people. Additionally, HCPS works on preserving the region’s status as a biodiversity hotspot, housing numerous endangered species crucial to the region’s delicate ecological balance. Furthermore, we recognize and cherish the rich cultural tapestry of the Himalaya and emphasize the importance of preserving indigenous traditions and knowledge systems for the benefit of cultural diversity and future generations.
The towering peaks of the Himalayan region are referred to as the Water Towers of Asia, or the Third Pole. Ten of Asia’s largest rivers including the Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, and Yangtze, originate from the Himalaya and function as lifelines for the area. These rivers supply water to about two billion people across multiple countries for drinking, agriculture, and energy generation. By safeguarding the Himalayan environment, we ensure the availability and quality of water resources for both local communities and downstream regions.
The Himalaya are a biodiversity hotspot, hosting a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic and endangered. The region’s unique ecosystems support critical habitat for species including the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan monal pheasant, the brown bear, the rhino, and the red panda, or the chilgoza pine forest to name a few. Climate change, unplanned development, and unregulated tourism can all pose a significant threat to the region's biodiversity disrupting the ecological balance and affecting the distribution of species.
The Himalaya are deeply intertwined with cultural and spiritual traditions. The region is home to diverse indigenous communities with rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and traditional knowledge systems. Preserving the culture and heritage of various pockets of the Himalaya is vital for maintaining cultural identity, and safeguarding them for future generations.
We focus on raising awareness and advocating for sustainable development practices that combat the negative impacts of unplanned urbanization and mass tourism in the Himalayan region. We believe that a balance between development, conservation, and heritage is crucial. We therefore aim to ensure that progress respects local cultures, and ecological integrity.
Field Schools
Embark on an immersive learning journey in the Himalaya with our field schools. Our programs offer students the opportunity to delve into art history, environmental studies, heritage preservation, sustainability, non-invasive archaeology, anthropological field methods, and ethnographic research. Led by our experienced instructors, our field schools provide a unique educational experience in this captivating region. Drawing from our active engagement in the Kullu, Shimla, and Kinnaur areas of the Western Himalaya, we bring valuable insights into the distinct challenges and opportunities of this region.
Research Projects
From conservation efforts to community-based sustainability projects, our research endeavors are conducted with a commitment to learning new information and enhancing our existing knowledge base of the region. We hope the results of research will be useful in preserving cultural heritage and fostering sustainable practices. Engage with our projects and learn more about our dedication to advancing knowledge and innovation in the field of cultural and environmental studies. Discover our diverse range of ongoing research initiatives at HCPS by visiting our research projects page.
Learning Programs
At HCPS, we provide a comprehensive range of learning opportunities, including online courses and workshops with a focus on the Himalaya. Our courses delve into the unique challenges, traditions, history, architecture, environmental aspects, human-environment interaction, and sustainability issues in the Western Himalayan region, offering a deep understanding of this culturally and environmentally significant area. In our workshops, we foster hands-on activities and open dialogue to underscore the global importance of the Himalaya, providing a dynamic and engaging learning experience.