This diversity is a result of the extreme altitudinal differences and associated changes in climate and soil conditions, creating a striking verticality characteristic in natural vegetation.
Vegetation types vary from humid tropical forests in the east to the high, cold deserts in the west.
The HKH region is host to a wide range of plant resources and wildlife in different ecosystems, resulting from differences in elevation, soil types, climate, topography, and vegetation. Equally diverse are the human cultures, religions, indigenous traditional systems, and socioeconomic practices. Biodiversity and Mountain People Thousands of species of plants and animals supported the development of early societies, providing the basis for hunting and gathering, agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, medicine, and industry. Development of the region's mountain economy will depend on sustainable use of biological resources. Sustainable use means maintaining a rich diversity in mountain crops, the genetic diversity of livestock, and proper management and use of forest resources, pastures, and rangelands.