Assessment of Ecosystem Service Reliance: A Case Study of Upper Valley of Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
摘要
The unique climate and topography of fragile mountain ecosystems support diverse level of biodiversity, providing vital ecosystem services for sustaining life. This is particularly evident in the Himalayas, recognised as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspot. The region hosts numerous endemic flora and fauna, enriching not only local habitats but also benefitting distant ecosystems. Upper Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh renowned for its scenic beauty and biological diversity also reflects its dependence on the relationship between culture and art of the area. However, rapid modernization and development pressure particularly tourism activities are threatening the delicate ecological balance, resulting in the loss of traditional knowledge and cultural practices, often passed orally through generations. This chapter presents finding from field surveys, primary and secondary data collection, highlighting key biodiversity resources that provide provisional and cultural ecosystem services in the upper valley area of Kullu district. These includes medicinal plants (50 sp.), bioprospecting opportunities (54 sp.), fodder (31 sp.), fuelwood (25 sp.), cultural tourism sites (4 types with 27 sites) and timber (6 sp.). Understanding and preserving these ecosystem services are critical for safeguarding both biodiversity and the culturally rich heritage of the region in sustainable manner.