The Institute is also involved in integrating and collecting traditional knowledge for sustainable and integrated development of watersheds. They are store houses of biological diversity, home to endangered species, and an essential part of the global ecosystem. Therefore, the development of mountains has to be viewed in a holistic manner, encompassing economic development, technological improvement, environmental protection, and human resource development. All these activities are interrelated and gains in one will produce benefits in others. As a major ecosystem representing the complex and interrelated ecology of our planet, mountain environments are essential to the survival of the global ecosystem.
Mountains are, however, vulnerable to human and natural ecological imbalance.
The Himalayas represent one of the most fragile mountain ecosystems and, furthermore, sustain a large human population. This sets them apart from Alpine or other ranges, where human habitation is not so high. Mountains and their people deserve consideration and attention, so that local knowledge can be used, and sustained and accelerated development becomes a reality in the context of the promotion and protection of the ecosystem as a whole. The Himalaya system is vast and diverse, and represents the youngest mountain system in the world. The existence of valuable flora, fauna, and minerals exclusive to the region is unique.