Sikkim Biodiversity Action Plan
Sikkim Biodiversity Action Plan
Sikkim Biodiversity Action Plan
2. Sikkim’s Biodiversity
3. Perceived Threats
6. Abbreviations
7. References
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1. Background
Spread over only 7,096 km2 geographic area, supporting a little over half a
million population, the Sikkim state has an altitudinal range varying from 300m to
8586m above sea level, representing tropical, sub-tropical, temperate and
alpine regions and a small portion of cold desert. The annual rainfall ranges from
less than 5 mm to nearly 4000 mm. The state has about 80% of its geographical
area under forest cover, with an estimated over 4500 species of flowering plants.
The rich floral diversity of Sikkim has fascinated a wide range of scholars from all
over the world. Besides 39% area occupied by alpine pastures and snow, the
state supports an immensely rich reservoir of biological diversity as tremendously
useful genetic resource pool. The vegetation ranges from Sal (Shorea rubusta)
and its associates in the low elevations, and gradually transitions to oaks, low
attitude pines, firs, and finally the high altitude alpine grasslands and meadows.
Out of approximately 1200 orchid species found in India, Sikkim is repository of
over 523 species and emerged out as one of the richest hot-spots for orchid
diversity in Indian Himalaya. Further the state is estimated to have about 50% of
India’s of Pteridophytes. Sikkim jointly with Darjeeling hills has been blessed with
rich diversity of medicinal plants of over 700 medicinal plant species. The
rhododendrons are a great indicator of forest health and ecological stability
and out of nearly 72 rhododendron species in North east India, Sikkim is known
to have 36 species. Considering the ecotourism potential of rhododendrons, the
Government of Sikkim, in its “Year of Tourism 2010”, organized an International
Festival supplemented with an International Conference on Rhododendrons.
Sikkim’s fauna is diverse, including 150 species of mammals, 550 species of birds,
and 48 species of fishes, in addition to many reptiles, amphibians and insects.
Amongst endangered or rare mammal species are , Red Panda, Snow Leopard
Musk Deer, Tibetan wolf, Red fox, Indian wild dog, Hog Badger, , Tibetan Sheep,
Serow, Goral, Tibetan wild Ass, etc. For the richness of avian diversity Sikkim has
been placed within the Eastern Himalaya Endemic Bird Area. The faunal
components are further enriched by the presence of over 627 species of
butterflies and insects.
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represent diverse cultures. These community people have been maintaining
great indigenous knowledge on bioresources including ethno-medicinal plants.
Food preservation and handicrafts are the areas where different ethnic
communities of Sikkim are enriched with traditional knowledge and practices,
which need to be conserved for the posterity.
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2. Biodiversity of Sikkim
Elevation plays a very important role in determining the vegetation types of any
mountainous landscape like the state of Sikkim. The state represents five major
altitudinal zones of vegetation, which do not have distinct boundaries in
general, but these overlap depending upon the aspect and other ecological
factors.
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region is the potential habitat niches for the globally critically endangered herb,
Swertia chirayita having viable populations.
In the higher parts of the region, the dominant tree species include Quercus
lamellosa, Q. lineata, Machilus spp. Cinnamomum spp., Michelia excelsa,
Quercus lancaefolia, Acer campbelli, Magnolia campbelli , Q. pachyphylla,
Castanopsis hystrix, Elaeocarpus lancaefolius, Symplocos theifolia and Litsea
spp., Rhododendron arboretum, Bucklandia populnea (Pipli). Dense evergreen
forests with oak and Rhododendron are common. The undergrowth consists of
Arundinaria maling, dwarf Rhododendron, ferns, epiphytic mosses and orchids.
Birds include the Rusty-bellied and Lesser Short wing, Kalij and Satyr Tragopan.
Other fauna include Japalura lizards, Cobra, Krait and Himalayan Pit Viper,
Himalayan Bullfrog and many species of butterflies.
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary in the East Sikkim and Maenam Wildlife
Sanctuary in South Sikkim are the two PAs in this eco-region. Plantations of
Cryptomeria japonica, an exotic species are common in this eco-region.
Eupatorium odoratum is a major weed that competes with Artemesia and other
secondary growth
Potato and cabbage are grown as cash crops, along with wheat, barley and
maize. Beans, peas, some apple, peach and pear are grown on homesteads. A
cattle rearing is sometimes practiced with stall fed hybrid cows, while most
cattle graze in forest areas. Wool from sheep grazing at higher altitudes is used
for making blankets, rugs and carpets. Wild Seabuckthorn (Hippophae spp.) is
collected for medicinal properties and as a dye.
Between 4,000m and 4,5000m elevation, small crooked trees and large shrubs
interspersed with fir and pine are common. The fauna of this region includes
Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Blue Sheep, Blood Pheasant, and Ibis bill. This region
has a sparse population. Bhutias , the main residents, are pastoral and
managed herds of livestock like yak, dzo (cow-yak hybrid) and domestic cattle.
The forest provides many edible plant parts like in Arisaema sp. Tubers, ‘Khendu’
and mushrooms. Trout (Salmo trutta) has been introduced in some high
elevation rivers. Dwarf rhododendron (R. anthopogon) leaves are used for
burning as incense.
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Protected Areas of Sikkim
Name District Area in sq km
Khangchendzonga National Park North & West 1784
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary North 43
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary West 104
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary East 31
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary East 51.76
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary South 35.34
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary East 124
Ketam Wildlife Sanctuary South 6.0
Large percentage of the state’s land area is under protected areas .In addition
Reserved Forests and other forest lands in the form of Khasmahal and
Gorucharan constitute forest cover. There is one Biosphere Reserve
(Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve), spread over the North and West
districts of Sikkim, covering a spatial area of 2931.12 Km2 (including four buffer
and one transition zone). The government, in collaboration with GBPIHED (Sikkim
unit), is currently in the process of getting this biosphere reserve listed among the
“World Network of Biosphere Reserves” of UNESCO. The process is also underway
for its inscription as a World Heritage Site. Sikkim contains many wetlands which
provide critical water bird habitat, and the process of applying for Ramsar site
status for three wetland complexes has been initiated.
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3. Perceived threats to Biodiversity
Soil erosion: Sikkim being a hill State with and unstable soil conditions often
suffers from soil erosion due to biotic factors as well as natural factors. This is
compounded by the very high rainfall, span over a large part of the year. The
main causes of such erosion and landslides, which also destroy biodiversity of
the area, are unplanned roads, hydro-electric projects and other development.
The recent earth quake has also triggered lot of new landslides and soil erosion.
Air pollution: There are very few polluting agencies in the State. But due to rapid
expansion of domestic tourism, a large number of vehicles move every day
consuming tons and tons of fossil fuel and causing air pollution as well as noise
pollution, which in long term can affect fauna and their propagation, especially
along fringe of protected areas and reserve forests.
Poaching of animals and removal of plants and their parts: Evidences suggest
involvement of some local people as well as visitors from other parts of the
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country many a times engaged in poaching of animals and removing different
plants such as of orchids and ferns, thus threatening many sensitive species. This
is caused mostly due to lack of awareness and inadequate law enforcement.
Law enforcement: Enforcement agencies like Forest and Police etc do not have
adequate manpower, training, mobility and requisite equipments to prevent or
take cognigence of offences involving biodiversity.
Introduction of exotic species: Many exotic plants and animals have been
introduced into the State purposefully or inadvertently without following any
protocol, which threatens the indigenous species.
Unplanned tourism: The state has emerged as a very popular tourist destination
in recent years. Inappropriate planning and limited implementations have gone
into regulating their movement, mode of transport, life style including generation
of garbage, construction for the accommodation, road development or
environment friendly responsible behavior, etc. The tourism industry and the rural
people need to be sensitized to handling ecotourism in a responsible manner.
Climate change: Due to increase in green house gases in the atmosphere and
consequent rise in temperature number of living organisms will be affected in
the future, though the impacts have not yet been properly studied or
documented.
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Medicinal plants: Majority of state host plants with great medicinal value. The
conservation approaches, both in-situ and ex-situ mechanisms need further
strengthening with strong scientific support and guidelines. It would be essential
that the medicinal plant diversity is identified and documented and species
tending to become endangered should be prioritized for immediate
conservation.
Alien Invasive species: Many species like Lantana, Eupatorium, Ipomaea and
Polygonum, etc. has already spread over different parts of the state, within the
boundaries of protected areas. Others may make inroads if not checked.
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4. The Way Forward
This section describes strategies and actions to overcome the current threats to
biodiversity through various measures involving different government
departments of the state and different stakeholders.
Recommended Actions
a) Establish a state biodiversity information system with facilities for easy storage,
retrieval and distribution in an interactive manner.
b) Conduct intensive biodiversity surveys and inventories utilizing expertise of
local institutions and individual experts, particularly in unexplored tracts,
including assessments on quantum availability of economically important
and threatened plant in natural habitats, and providing GPS coordinates for
all sampling areas.
c) Conduct regular surveys to monitor changes in targeted species of wild and
cultivated, domesticated plants and animals using the latest technologies
and tools.
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d) Update the list of endangered flora and fauna based on national,
international criteria.
e) Assess populations and monitor species which are declining and formulate
effective species recovery plans.
f) Document and develop a database on traditional knowledge.
g) Study and document microbial diversity, including both beneficial and
harmful microbes in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
h) Build the capacity of law enforcing officials for recognizing rare and
threatened species of plants and animals and provide necessary reference
materials. R&D organizations in the state may offer great services.
In Situ Conservation
Sikkim has 1 National Park (Kanchendzonga), which is also a Biosphere Reserve,
and seven wildlife sanctuaries. The geographical area of the entire PA network
represents 32% of the state area of 7,096 sq kms. This is perhaps the highest
percentage of protected areas of any state in India. The Khangchendzonga
National Park has also been proposed for inscription as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Though there are 227 lakes in the state, many of which important
for migratory birds, none of them has been notified as a Ramsar Site so far.
Substantial biodiversity also exists outside the PAs in the reserved forests and
private land. Although the PA area percentage is quite high in the state there is
possibility of adding few small areas to the Protected Area Network which are
unique habitats for endangered spp. of flora or fauna. The 2003 amendment of
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for formation of Conservation and
Community Reserves with active community participation. Establishment of such
reserves is a possibility. While Red Panda has been named as State animal, other
flagship species include snow leopard and musk deer. The Department is also
keen to preserve its high altitude pheasants, rhododendrons and orchids. There
have been several initiatives that are under way to conserve medicinal plants.
Recommended Actions
a) Explore the scope for further expansion of the PA network with stakeholders,
identifying, prioritizing biodiversity rich areas, e.g. Dombang Gymnosperm
Reserve, Nimphu Wildlife Sanctuary.
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b) Strengthen biodiversity monitoring systems in the PA network and reserve
forests.
c) Strengthen the capability of the DFEWM, Directorate of Research to
coordinate biodiversity monitoring systems in the PA network and reserve
forests.
d) Evaluate the experience of ongoing programs to address human animal
conflict and identify effective approaches to strengthen programs to prevent
human-animal conflict.
e) Initiate well-planned eco-development programmes in the fringes of PAs to
improve the livelihood of dependant community.
f) Establish and notify permanent preservation plots for monitoring biodiversity
along different altitudinal zones and in different habitats.
g) Develop a mechanism to identify and conserve sacred groves and other
religious landscapes, e.g. Devithan around springs.
h) Conduct research on different aspects of species biology and ecosystem
functioning in PAs and reserve forests.
i) Promote reintroduction and recovery of threatened plant and animal
species in their ecological niches and habitats in targeted protected areas.
j) Strengthen the capability of DFEWM and other agencies to prevent
poaching and illegal trade of wild animals, plants and their parts.
k) Identify habitat for key wildlife species outside of PAs and encourage
conservation outside the PA network on government and private property.
l) Strengthen forest fire-fighting program.
m) Conduct surveys of economically-important native bio-resources.
n) Develop strategies for conservation of unique wetlands and potential Ramsar
sites with the support of local communities and other stakeholders. The
process of their notification should be expedited.
o) Identify and recognize large and old trees and declare them as heritage
trees.
p) Link major butterfly habitats through strategic corridor development by
planting indigenous larval and nectar food plants (native) through the
involvement of various stakeholders
q) Develop approaches to conserve identified Important Bird Areas (IBA)
r) Complete proposal for inscription of KNP as World Heritage site
Ex-situ Conservation
The state has only one zoo, the Himalayan Zoological Park near Gangtok, which
houses many Schedule-I species occurring in this region. It plans to take up
conservation breeding of some endangered species to replenish the wild stock
in their natural habitat after following the appropriate protocol provided by the
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Central Zoo Authority. A rescue center is being set up to house the rescued
animals which can be released to their natural habitat after treatment and
stabilization. Though no systematic effort has been made to set up a formal
botanical garden, many places like the ‘State Biodiversity Park’, campus of Raj
Bhavan and highly established functional Arboretum of GBPIHED (Sikkim) at
Pangthang have good collections of rare and endangered species. DFEWM
and GBPIHED had jointly established a rare and threatened plant conservation
park within Himalayan Zoo. Such initiative can be replicated elsewhere.
Biotechnological interventions also may be quite helpful to support ex-situ
conservation. On useful and high value marketed wild plant species,
entrepreneurship using ex-situ approaches are moderately initiated in the state.
At the same time, prioritization of threatened and rare plant species for
immediate ex-situ conservation is an immediate need.
Recommended Actions
Agro-biodiversity Conservation
Many local varieties of agricultural crops and local breeds of livestock are still
maintained in rural areas. However, these valuable sources of germplasm are in
danger of being lost as people adopt modern lifestyles and modern agriculture.
Collection of agricultural crop genetic resources can be a great tool to preserve
this germplasm; however, improved policies and scientific interventions for agro-
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biodiversity conservation may offer better opportunities for local level
entrepreneurships.
Recommended Actions
Many initiatives have started in the state and other parts of the country to assess
vulnerability due to climate change on natural ecosystems, plant productivity
and socio-economic sectors. Several institutes have been engaged in the study
of climate change, and the JICA assisted SBFP has a component to study of
climate change and suggest different mitigating measures. It is worth noting
that an ‘Expert Committee on the Impacts of Climate Change’ has been set up
by the Central Government in 2007 to study the impacts of anthropogenic
climate change and identify measures to be taken for addressing the impacts
of vulnerability. The National Action Plan on Climate Change has also been
released in 2008. The Department of Space under ISRO-Geosphere Biosphere
Program is implementing a project to estimate the vegetation carbon pool
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assessment in India, of which Sikkim is also part of the study. Also, the JICA SBFP
project has a component of study of climate change and impact of grazing on
Himalayan ecosystem. There are many other ongoing projects in the country
and the state which directly or indirectly contribute to mitigate adverse impacts
of climate change.
Recommended Actions
a) Identify the vulnerability of different sectors of the state, such as forest,
agriculture, livestock, and microbial diversity and Himalayan ecosystem
towards climatic change.
b) Identify priority habitats for species and ecosystems which are at risk due to
climate change through appropriate ecological criteria.
c) Use plant phenology as an indicator of climate change and establish
permanent phenology monitoring stations along different altitude zones.
d) Undertake other multidisciplinary research for developing appropriate
technology for monitoring changes on biodiversity and assess the adaptive
mechanisms for biodiversity components.
e) Develop adaptive management approaches for relevant activities like
change in forestry management and watershed management for soil and
moisture conservation and enhance green cover.
f) Identify activities which help hasten climate change both globally and local
and develop ways to minimize or eliminate such activities.
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Recommended Actions
a) Involve local agencies and R&D institutions in impact assessments (EIA) of
development projects in order to limit the impact on surrounding biodiversity
and habitats.
b) Enforce the guidelines so that all EIAs of major developmental projects should
be properly authenticated with herbarium specimens and other records from
project area. All RET species falling in those area should be properly
documented and action taken for ex-situ multiplication thereof
c) Monitor the preparation and implementation of Environmental Management
Plans (EMPs). Prepare rehabilitation plan in case of displacement of local
people due to any project considering their social, cultural, economic and
other livelihood needs.
d) Build capacity of the related departments to carry out mid-term assessment.
e) Avoid the development projects affecting wetlands and other biodiversity
rich and sensitive area.
Recommended Actions
a) Conduct research to study the impacts of different types of pollution on
biodiversity and develop prevention measures.
b) Manage industrial effluents so that neither terrestrial nor aquatic biological
resources are adversely affected.
c) Promote the use of organic manures, bio-fertilizers, bio-insecticides or
biological control and discourage excessive use of chemical fertilizers and
biocides.
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Biodiversity conservation and use of research training
and extension
Over the years capacity has been built at various levels for environmental
management of which biodiversity conservation is a part in Sikkim and the rest
of India. National institutes like the Indian Council of Forest Research &
Education, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Wildlife
Institute of India, Indian Institute of Forest Management and many other
universities, particularly agricultural universities have taken up training in
biodiversity conservation, forest, and wildlife management and related fields.
Other universities have also imparted courses in environmental management.
UGC and Ministry of Human Resources have also taken up with universities and
state governments to introduce environment education in their curriculum. The
state takes advantage of these institutions and sends officers and field staff for
training to these institutes or centers affiliated to them. Center for Environment
Education and National Museum of Natural History have taken up creation of
awareness on environment and biodiversity issues.
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Recommended Actions
Sikkim has already banned grazing in the forest areas which has salubrious
effect. JFMCs/EDCs have started playing very positive role in the effort of
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sustainable utilization. Their capacity is being enhanced through trainings and
they are also supported through Community Organizers appointed by SBFP.
Recommended Actions
a) Identify and document ethno-biological knowledge, including the safety
and efficacy of traditional medicinal practices.
b) Identify alternate income generating activities to divert the people from
livelihoods which negatively impact biodiversity, e.g. grazing, harvesting bio-
resources, etc.
c) Promote the management of bamboos and canes and other NTFPs,
sustainably with the participation of local communities and other
stakeholders and make a data base.
d) Promote agro-forestry on private lands.
e) Promote bee keeping for improving pollination and providing livelihood to
local communities.
f) Document, disseminate and promote best practices of traditional use of bio-
resources through proper study of traditional methods of utilization.
g) Promote ex-situ cultivation of high value trade taxa, including medicinal
plants to support livelihood of communities and ensure that wild stock is not
depleted.
h) Extend traditional sustainable land use practices which have been validated
through research.
Recommended Actions
a) Conduct research on ecological assessment of invasive species and related
habitat change, and maintain a database.
b) Strengthen measures to contain and manage any spread of invasive
species. Develop inter-sectoral approach for the same.
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c) Develop system for early warning on new sightings of invasive species in the
state.
d) Support capacity building particularly at field level to control spread of
invasive species.
e) Support restoration of area affected by invasive species, including occupied
butterfly habitat, by planting or regeneration of native species.
f) Establish procedures to ensure that invasive species do not enter Sikkim
through international borders of three neighboring countries. Establish a
quarantine cell in the state.
Valuation of biodiversity
We often do not take the depletion of biodiversity or bio-resources due to any
development process seriously as we consider it free and can be exploited
without any thought about the goods and services it provides to the human
society in the form of goods directly or services which are not easily quantified. It
is absolutely necessary in the present day scenario or in future to account for the
losses or quantify the gains of adding to biological resources though definite
intervention. This will help us in decision making involving sectoral policies as
without such calculation of cost and benefits of any activity cannot be worked
out correctly or comprehensively.
Recommended Actions
a) Develop a system of natural resource accounting for Sikkim reflecting both
ecological and economic values of biodiversity, using UN guidelines,
wherever necessary.
b) Support studies to validate the valuation process.
Awareness Promotion
No action plan can be effectively implemented unless the local communities,
other stakeholders, law enforcing personnel are educated aere made aware of
the benefit of the natural resources available in their area and on understanding
the need for their conservation. This is more relevant in case of bio-resources.
Hence different methodologies should be adopted and publicity options utilized
for promoting awareness. Elsewhere in the document different approaches
have been indicated. But it is felt that this should be specifically highlighted as
this can bring about a sea change in our efforts.
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Recommended Actions
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consideration and any judicial framework can be recommended for further
debate at state and national level.
Recommended Actions
a) Review the policies and laws for conservation and management of sacred
landscapes, grasslands and other areas of importance for biodiversity
conservation.
b) Prepare Peoples Biodiversity Registers and strengthen mechanisms with the
support of technical institutions. JFMCs, EDCs and PSSs.
c) Include the evaluation of biodiversity as an integral part of any development
project, and ensure that the design of the project includes measures to
minimize any loss of biodiversity and is vetted by experts.
Recommended Actions
a) Establish contact with UN bodies like UNESCO, UNEP, Ramsar secretariat,
IUCN and donor agencies through GoI regarding collaboration or obtaining
technical support for biodiversity conservation.
b) Seek the cooperation of other research institutions and universities within the
state and in neighboring states for assisting in different aspects of biodiversity
conservation including surveys and scientific studies.
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c) Maintain a database of scientific and technical persons in Sikkim with
expertise in flora and fauna to facilitate collaborative work among the
organizations in Sikkim.
d) Annual brainstorming workshops to share and document the work areas of
different public sector and private institutions working in the field of
biodiversity conservation so that work is not duplicated, but may be
supplemented, and experience and lessons learned further documented
through annual newsletter.
e) Outsource research or establish joint ventures amongst research agencies in
Sikkim.
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Section 5. Responsibility and Timeframe for Sikkim Biodiversity Action Plan and Strategies
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
d) Update the list of DFEWM (WL, SBB) DFEWM (T, NTFP), S
endangered flora and Horticulture
fauna based on national, Department,
international criteria. GBPIHED (Sikkim) ,
BSI
e) Assess populations and DFEWM DFEWM (T, WL, L
monitor species which are SBFP, DREE),
declining and plan how GBPIHED (sikkim) ,
these species should be BSI, ZSI, universities,
recovered. etc.
f) Develop a database on SBB, BMCs DFEWM, Tribal M
traditional knowledge. Welfare Dept.,
GBPIHED (Sikkim)
g) Study and document DFEWM, Health ICAR, Animal M
microbial diversity, Department Husbandry
including both beneficial Agriculture (Fisheries and
and harmful microbes in Department Livestock), Sikkim
terrestrial and aquatic Govt College,
ecosystems. Sikkim University
h) Build the capacity of law DFEWM WII, BSI, ZSI, etc., S
enforcing officials for law enforcement
recognizing rare and agencies, GBPIHED
threatened species of (Sikkim)
plants and animals and
provide necessary
reference materials.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
2. In-situ a) Explore the scope for DFEWM (WL) GBPIHED (Sikkim) M
biodiversity further expansion of the (BCM), BSI
conservation PA network with
stakeholders, identifying,
prioritizing biodiversity rich
areas, e.g. Dombang
Gymnosperm Reserve.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
f) Establish and notify DFEWM (WP, GBPIHED (Sikkim) S
permanent preservation DREE)
plots for monitoring
biodiversity along
different altitudinal zones
and in different habitats.
g) Develop a mechanism to DFEWM, GBPIHED (Sikkim) , M
identify and conserve Ecclesiastical BSI, RMDD
sacred groves and other Dept
religious landscapes, e.g.
Devithan around springs.
h) Conduct research on DFEWM (DREE), Universities, WII M Involve local
different aspects of GBPIHED (Sikkim) universities
species biology and
ecosystem function in PAs
and reserve forests.
i) Promote reintroduction DFEWM (HZP, Dept. of L
and recovery of P&G), GBPIHED Agriculture, Dept
threatened plant and (Sikkim) (BCM) of AH
animal species.
j) Strengthen the capability DFEWM (T, WL) Police, NGOs, FDA, L Community
of DFEWM and other mobilization
agencies to prevent
poaching and illegal
trade of wild animals,
plants and their parts.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
k) Identify habitat for key DFEWM (WL) Dept. of Public M
wildlife species outside of Relation, Media,
PAs and encourage GBPIHED (Sikkim)
conservation outside the
PA network on
government and private
property.
l) Strengthen forest fire- DFEWM (T, WL) NGOs, FDA L Community
fighting program. mobilization
m) Conduct surveys of DFEWM (SBB, BSI M
economically-important NTFP), GBPIHED
native bio-resources. (Sikkim)
n) Develop strategies for DFEWM (Land RMDD, PSS, BNHS, S
conservation of unique Use & Env., SBFP) WWF, Tourism Dept.
wetlands and potential
Ramsar sites with the
support of local
communities and other
stakeholders.
o) Identify and recognize DFEWM (T, WL) DST, HRDD, IITM S
large and old trees and
declare as heritage trees
(for Hornbills, Flying
Squirrels, Fruit bats, etc).
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
p) Link major butterfly DFEWM (WL) Nurseries, tourist M
habitats through strategic entrepreneurs,
corridor development by FDAs
planting indigenous larval
and nectar food plants
(native) through the
involvement of various
stakeholders
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
c) Implement programs to Dept. of SBB, BMCs L
conserve the genetic Agriculture,
diversity of native land AHLF&VS
races of cultivated plants,
domesticated animals
and their wild relatives.
d) Identify the seed viability GBPIHED (Sikkim) DFEWM, Dept. of M Link to national
and develop storage Agriculture, and gene bank
technologies for targeted scientific Institutions
species.
e) Encourage propagation DFEWM (Parks GBPIHED (Sikkim) , M
and cultivation of wild and Gardens) FDAs, BMCs,
economic plants. Agriculture Dept.
f) Create new botanical DFEWM (Parks DFEWM (NTFP, T, M
gardens and parks with and Gardens) WL, FCA), SPCB,
sections for different SBFP, GBPIHED
communities, focusing on (Sikkim) , BSI,
native species. Ayurveda)
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
4 Agro- a) Register local varieties Agriculture Dept., NBAGR,NBPGR, M link to different
biodiversity under the Farmers Rights AHLFVS, SBB ICAR, DARE, NBA gene banks,
Conservation Act. clonal
preservation
centers and
collections with
different
universities and
research
institutes
b) Ensure direct access to Agriculture DST, funding M
market for organically Department agencies. NABARD
farmed local crop
varieties though
appropriate certification
to fetch more
remunerative price to the
farmer.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
d) Identify hotspots of agro- Agriculture Dept., NBAGR,NBPGR, M
biodiversity and cropping AHLFVS, SBB ICAR, DARE, NBA
systems and promote on-
farm conservation
through training programs
and use of appropriate
incentives.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
d) Undertake other Universities and DFEWM. DST, M Need better
multidisciplinary research Research Centers GBPIHED (Sikkim) , linkages to
for developing WII ensure that
appropriate technology research results
for monitoring changes are shared.
on biodiversity and assess
the adaptive mechanisms
for biodiversity
components.
6. State a) Involve local agencies in DFEWM (T, WL, CWC; GBPIHED L Guidelines from
Development impact assessments (EIA) SBFP, Land Use & (Sikkim) , BSI, GSI MoEF
Activities and of development projects Env), State
Biodiversity in order to limit the Pollution Control
Conservation impact on surrounding Board
biodiversity and habitats.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
b) Enforce the guidelines so DFEWM (T, WL, CWC; GBPIHED L Guidelines from
that all EIAs of major SBFP, Land Use & (Sikkim) , BSI, GSI, MoEF
developmental projects Env), State DST
should be properly Pollution Control
authenticated with Board
herbarium specimens and
other records from project
area. All RET species
falling in those area
should be properly
documented.
c) Monitor the preparation DFEWM (T, WL, DFEWM (T, WL, L Guidelines from
and implementation of SBFP, Land Use & SBFP, Land Use & MoEF, Govt of
Environmental Env), State Env), CWC; India
Management Plans Pollution Control GBPIHED (Sikkim) ,
(EMPs). Prepare Board BSI, GSI, DST,
rehabilitation plan in case Revenue
of displacement of local Department
people due to any
project considering their
social, cultural, economic
and other livelihood
needs.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
e) Avoid the development DFEWM (FCA, T, Development
projects affecting WL) agencies, Tourism
wetlands and other Dept & other Line
biodiversity rich area. Deptts.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
b) Encourage value added RMDD Agriculture M
production from the local Department,
bio-resources using Animal Husbandry,
innovative technologies DST, Dept. of Small
as a tool for sustainable , Cottage
use of biodiversity for Industries, Tribal
livelihood. Welfare, DFEWM
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
c) Promote the Agriculture Dept., Industries Dept., M
management of DFEWM (NTFP) RMDD, DHH,
bamboos and canes and Tourism
other NTFPs, sustainably
with the participation of
local communities and
other stakeholders and
make a data base.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
g) Promote ex-situ GBPIHED (Sikkim) DFEWM (T, Wildlife, M
cultivation of high value , DFEWM NTFP), RMDD,
trade taxa, including Ayurveda,
medicinal plants to Agriculture Dept.
support livelihood of
communities and ensure
that wild stock is not
depleted.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
c) Develop system for early DFEWM (T, Fishery , M
warning on new sightings WL)/Agriculture Agriculture, RMDD,
of invasive species in the GBPIHED (Sikkim)
state.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
f) Establish procedures to DFEWM (SBB) Fishery Dept. L
ensure that invasive Agriculture Dept
species do not enter
Sikkim through
international borders of
three neighboring
countries. Establish a
quarantine cell in the
state.
DFEWM State Pollution
g) Help retard climate Control Board
change both globally (SPCB)
and locally and
develop ways to
minimize or eliminate
such activities which
enhances climate
change.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
b) Support studies to DFEWM (SBFP) DFEWM with M
validate the valuation support of GBPIHED
process. (Sikkim) and
related
organizations and
experts in Sikkim
12. Promotion of a) Provide training to DFEWM, (trainers GBPIHED (Sikkim) , M
Awareness on government and non- will be identified) BSI DIET, AATI,
Biodiversity government agencies to RMDD, SIRD, etc.
strengthen their role in
biodiversity conservation.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
13 Policy, a) Strengthen the capacity DFEWM (SBB) State Biodiversity M
legislation and of state and local Board, Home
administrative institutions for effective (Police)
measures enforcement of the
Biological Diversity Act,
including ensuring TK and
ABS mechanisms.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
d) Include the evaluation of DFEWM (FCA, T, Line Departments, L
biodiversity as an integral WL) GBPIHED (Sikkim) ,
part of any development BSI
project, and ensure that
the design of the project
includes measures to
minimize any loss of
biodiversity and is vetted
by experts.
14. Regional, a) Establish contact with UN DFEWM (Land R&D institutes like S
national and bodies like UNESCO, Use & E., T, WL) GBPIHED (Sikkim)
international UNEP, Ramsar secretariat, (with MoEF, Govt
coordination IUCN and donor agencies of India)
through GoI regarding
collaboration or obtaining
technical support for
biodiversity conservation.
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Sl Lead Agency Time Remarks
Category Recommended Actions Partner Agencies
No frame
c) Maintain a database of DFEWM (ENVIS, S
scientific and technical SBB, Research
persons in Sikkim with wing), DST
expertise in flora and
fauna to facilitate
collaborative work
among the organizations
in Sikkim.
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