Forests: Conservation, restoration and sustainable utilization in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region

Forest ecosystems in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region are rich in biodiversity and provide a range of ecosystem services; however, forest degradation is spreading and is threatening the forest resources. Consequently, rational management strategies are urgently needed to mitigate forest degradation and to promote sustainable development of the forests in the HKH region. Therefore, this chapter describes, systematically, the status of forests in the HKH region, including: (i) threats to forest resources and their impacts; (ii) conservation of forest resources; (iii) livelihoods from forest resources; and (iv) management strategies and restoration of forests. The chapter provides valuable information for policy-makers and practitioners engaged in forest ecosystem restoration in the HKH region.