Intl Conference on Globalisation and Mountain Culture closes with ‘Gangtok Declaration’ seeking Right Policies and Institutional Reforms

ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 14 Dec:  The 10th International Conference on ‘Globalisation and Cultural Practices in Mountain Areas: Dynamics, Dimensions and Implications’ organized by the Sikkim University in collaboration with the Japan Foundation concluded today with the adoption of “Gangtok Declaration” encapsulating the endorsement the academia on issues related to Globalisation and Mountain Culture.

Addressing a press conference on the conclusion of the conference, Prof PS  Ramakrishnan emphasized on the climate change issue and said that it is going to increase environmental uncertainties. One of the major sufferers of this phenomenon will be the people living in highly fragile environments, he added.
Stating that biodiversity which is a major wealth of Sikkim is depleting, he said that the major culprits are the people living in the larger plains of the country. The construction of hydro electric projects is a negative approach and is going to create social and cultural disruption, he expressed. “Please do not destroy the cultural diversity of Sikkim,” he further urged.
Y Tanaka of the Japan Foundation, in his address said that cultural identification should not be lost and added that there are many ways in which a society can develop. He further spoke on globalization, its advantages and disadvantages. SU, Vice Chancellor, Prof Mahendra P Lama also addressed the conference.
A ‘Gangtok Declaration’ statement compiling the suggestions and recommendations of the participants was adopted at the end of the conference. Giving the example of hydel projects coming up in mountain areas, the declaration states that there is a strong need to design and operationalise exclusive policy and regulatory framework and regulating institutions on use and management of mountain resources.
Right policies and institutional reforms are needed on an urgent basis that would take into account: the needs of the people of mountain areas; the advantages which may result from regional cooperation among concerned countries and; the important role which such cooperation may play in avoidance of national and international tension that may be caused.
Pointing out the need for a holistic understanding of various dimensions of effects of globalization in the Himalayan region, the participants recommend that study and policy groups may be set up immediately by the concerned governments for carrying out joint studies and for exchange of information on: Globalisation, changing institution and livelihood securities; Health, indigenous knowledge and global culture; Communication, Migration and conflict; Tourism and; Development dynamics and cultural sustainability in high-lands.