CM Launches HiBiSCUS Scheme to Boost Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods in Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched the Himachal Biodiversity Stakeholder-led Conservation Unified Scheme (HiBiSCUS), a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening biodiversity conservation, promoting ecological restoration and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through active participation of local communities.
As part of the launch, an amount of Rs. 2 crore was released by the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board to the Forest Department for implementing the scheme across the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said HiBiSCUS marks a significant step towards conserving Himachal Pradesh’s rich biological heritage while ensuring economic benefits for rural communities. He said the scheme would contribute towards ecological restoration, climate resilience, conservation of medicinal plant resources and enhancement of farmers’ incomes through market-linked interventions.
The Chief Minister said around two lakh farmers and 10,000 community groups across the state are expected to benefit from the scheme. He added that a cost-sharing model involving the State Biodiversity Board, industry partners and farmers would support effective implementation while ensuring long-term sustainability.
He further said that the use of digital monitoring mechanisms, including geo-tagged photographs, field inspections and online dashboards, would ensure transparency, accountability and effective implementation of the programme.
The Chief Minister said the scheme reflects the state government’s continued commitment towards environmental conservation, sustainable development and community-led management of natural resources. He added that the initiative would further strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s position as a leader in biodiversity conservation.
Focus on biodiversity-positive development model
The HiBiSCUS scheme has been developed on the framework of the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana and aims to establish a biodiversity-positive development model by integrating scientific management practices with traditional knowledge.
The scheme will focus on strengthening Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), promoting cultivation of priority medicinal plant species, improving habitat quality and ensuring equitable benefit sharing among stakeholders.
Under the initiative, activities such as plantation on forest, community, private and agricultural lands, conservation and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, nursery development, capacity building and market-linked livelihood opportunities will be promoted.
The scheme is expected to provide new avenues for rural communities by linking biodiversity conservation with income generation and sustainable resource management.
Senior officials present at launch
Principal Secretary, Technical Education Dr. Abhishek Jain, Secretary, Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change Sushil Kumar Singla, Director, Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change-cum-Member Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board Pushpendra Rana, Joint Member Secretary of the Board Dr. Suresh C. Attri, along with senior officers from the Forest Department and the Biodiversity Board, were present on the occasion.
