Govt approves MoU for promoting research on Himalayan region

NEW DELHI: To encourage research activities in climate change-prone Himalayan region, the Government today approved an agreement between International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and Gobind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development.

The MoU to be valid for next five years would provide mechanism for research activities in the region and ensure sustainability of partnership between the two organisations, Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters here after a meeting of the Union Cabinet.

"It would also help GBPIHED to develop as an interface institution between the Central Government and the local communities in the Himalayan region," he added.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development is a Kathmandu-based research organisation focusing on the Himalayan region.

The meeting also approved ratification by India of Belarus' accession to Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. The entry will open up opportunity for Belarus to contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change, according to the Finance Minister.