Field Trips 

The National Organizing Committee is organising three field trips for the conference participants. All trips are on 12 October 2018 Friday and relate to the conference theme "Communicating and Engaging Ecosystem Services in Policy and Practice in Asia". It will provide unique opportunities to experience diverse Indian ecosystems.

The three field trip options:

1. Rajaji National Park – Ganga River (10 hour trip)
2. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary – Mussoorie (10 hour trip)

 

1. Rajaji National Park – Ganga River (8 hour trip)

         Rajaji National Park (RNP), located in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, is spread across 820 sq. km., encompassing a diverse array of wildlife habitat belonging to the Shivalik/Sub-Himalaya ecosystem. Topographic diversity and high productivity in this landscape has resulted in a rich array of flora and fauna. However, the Park faces conservation challenges like linear development projects and forest dependence of nomadic pastoral community. The visit to the fringe areas of this site will provide a glimpse of the varied ecosystems, the conservation initiatives to mitigate linear infrastructure developments in wildlife areas, and management efforts to deal with the human dimensions of conservation.  
         The visit to this nature preserve will be combined with a trip to India’s sacred river, the Ganga, at one of the holiest Hindu locations, Hardwar. The Ganga is both a spiritual and economic lifeline for a large section of the Indian population, while it also harbours high biodiversity of aquatic life. The daily evening ceremony on the banks of the Ganga River at Hardwar is a spectacle to watch. This combined field trip offers a glimpse of the nature-culture’ linkage in India’s environment and society.

http://www.rajajinationalpark.co.in/

 

2. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary – Mussoorie (10 hour trip)

        Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Mussorie Hills, is surrounded by benedictory pines, old cedar trees and medicinal plants that grow in abundance in this area. The sanctuary was developed as bird-watching haven and is home to a wide variety of birds. Leopard, bear, deer and Himalayan goat are commonly found mammal species in this sanctuary. The location also provides captivating view of snow-clad peaks.
        In close proximity is the hill station of Mussoorie in the foothills of Garhwal Himalaya. The lush green hills, majestic view of the Shiwalik ranges and the Doon Valley, adventure sport locations and walking tours make it among the most popular tourist destinations in the country.