UNDP Team Welcomed at Abhilashi University: A New Dimension in Climate Action and Biodiversity Conservation.
Shimla:
Taking a significant step towards tackling the challenges of climate change and conserving Himalayan agricultural biodiversity, Prof. Harindra Chaudhary, Vice Chancellor of Abhilashi University, warmly welcomed a distinguished team from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Present on the occasion were UNDP Coordinator Monika Sharma, Dr. Suresh Chand Atri, Chief Scientific Officer of the Department of Environment, Science, Technology, and Climate Change (DEST), Government of Himachal Pradesh, and the Divisional Forest Officer of Nachan Forest Range.
During the event, Monika Sharma introduced her team and shared key insights into the impact of climate change on livelihoods. Prof. Chaudhary expressed his gratitude to the Himachal Pradesh Government’s DEST for its support to the university in biodiversity conservation.
The primary objective of the visit was to review the impact of ongoing climate change programs and discuss future strategies. A rich exchange of ideas took place between UNDP officials, local farmers, and university experts. Dr. Atri highlighted the sensitivity of the Himalayan ecosystem and shared details of major initiatives led by UNDP and DEST aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and ecological restoration.
In his address, Prof. Chaudhary emphasized the critical role of indigenous plant and animal germplasm in combating climate change. He appreciated the university’s efforts in conserving and promoting traditional Himalayan crop varieties and encouraging climate-resilient farming practices in collaboration with local farmers.
The UNDP team engaged in discussions with Dr. P.C. Sharma, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, other faculty members, and progressive hill farmers. Around 85 women farmers and members of self-help groups such as Sneha and Raksha, along with nine subject matter experts, participated. These groups showcased their collective efforts in conserving, promoting, and propagating traditional seeds. The team lauded the university’s unique approach, which blends scientific innovation with traditional knowledge—an essential strategy for ensuring food security and sustainability in the Himalayan region.
Outlining future plans, the Vice Chancellor proposed launching new research and outreach projects under DEST and HIMCOSTE. These projects aim to support ongoing documentation, conservation, and promotion of crop varieties led by plant breeders Dr. Ritika Singh and Shivani Kaundal, and register them with the “Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority” in New Delhi. The initiative will also work towards popularizing these unique Himalayan crops among a wider farming community.
The visit proved to be highly encouraging and opened new avenues for strong collaboration among UNDP, DEST, and Abhilashi University. This partnership is expected to significantly contribute to conserving Himachal Pradesh’s invaluable agricultural biodiversity and enhancing climate resilience.
On this occasion, Chancellor Dr. R.K. Abhilashi, Pro-Chancellor Dr. L.K. Abhilashi, Vice Chancellor Prof. H.K. Chaudhary, Registrar Dr. Kapil Kapoor, Chairperson of Genius Education Society Dr. Narvada Abhilashi, Vice Chairperson of Abhilashi Education Society Dr. Promila Abhilashi, and Secretary Narender Kumar extended their congratulations.
