Mountain Reflections: Pattern and Development

Most papers included in this compilation are presentations made at various events during the International Year of Mountain 2002. Of these, seven are keynote addresses and one commissioned paper (Chapter 6) and another for a professional journal (9). In terms of area coverage, five have a regional scope and four are specifically on Nepal. The thematic aspects include agriculture, development policy, ethnic politics, flora, fauna, geography, and mountaineering. As a geographer, the writer provides a broad sweep of physical and cultural patterns of the entire Himalayan range. The core concern, however, is related to the economic development of mountain area and peoples.

Harka Gurung graduated with B.A. Hons. (1959) from Patna College, Patna; Post Graduate Dip. Geog. (1961) and Ph. D. (1965) from the University of Edinburgh. Academic assignments include Demonstrator, University of Edinburgh (1963- 64); Research Fellow, School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London (1964-66); Lecturer, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu (1966-68), and Visiting Fellow, Population Institute, East-West Center, Honolulu (1984-85). He served Nepal Government as Member and Vice-Chairman, National Planning Commission (1968-75); Minister of State of Education, and Industry & Commerce (1975-77); and Minister of State for Tourism, and Public Works & Transport (1977- 78). He has done consultancy work for HMG/Nepal, ADB, ESCAP, IDRC, IFAD, IUCN, UNICEF, UNDP, UNESCO, UNRISD, USAID, WWF and World Bank. Gurung is author of numerous books and monographs.

he celebrations of the International Year of Mountain 2002 are over. The main purpose of the event was to highlight the problems of mountain environment and economy. The mountains will ever be there as a geographic reality. The task beyond the Bishkek Declaration, therefore, is to pursue the agenda of development with fuller appreciation of the mountain world and seek ways towards its betterment.

Most of the papers included in this monograph are presentations made at various events during the year of mountain celebration. These are being published for the first time in order to reach a wider audience. I wish to thank the organisations for the opportunity given me to reflect on mountain matters.

**Contents and Sample Pages**