ABSTRACT
The Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau are one of the most ecologically diverse and vulnerable regions of the earth. This chapter examines as to whether traditional belief systems have been able to moderate modernisation processes for the sake of ecology and traditional ways of living. Such knowledge is a crucial step towards formulation of sustainable development programmes. The chapter promotes the quality of the environment and conservation of ecology become goals that both the nation state and global society. As awareness of dangers to the planet increase, climate change issues, ecology and conservation challenges, are receiving the attention of the global political leadership. Public policy must promote stabilisation of ecosystems. The underlying issues relating to well-grounded public policy could be viewed in the following perspectives: Adoption of new approaches in public policy formulation, Climate change issues and Use of new technology. The forests occupy an important place in the socio-economic and cultural matrix of life in the eastern Himalayan region.
