esrokashmir.org

Welcome at   esro International Environment Network South Asia Western Himalaya Kashmir Chapter

esro Kashmir, scholars response for environment advocacy, started in 2002 as a modest conservation organisation with urban focus, over the years the perspective broadened to encompass whole Western Himalaya and thus developed into a mission-driven largest network of environmental consultants, planners, investors, advocators working together for sustainable development in Kashmir as an International effort.     

esro KASHMIR Making a Difference

The origin of the esro Kashmir came into existence with this fact that Governments cannot solve all our problems. Important as they are, they are only part of the solution. Also needed are individual responsibility and actions to undo the damage. People must learn to make decisions based on their impact on the Earth and their contribution to sustainability. A group of three Kashmiri scholars came together in 2000 from diverse professional backgrounds and had been determined to span the gulf between academic theory and practical problem solving to tackle the emerging biodiversity crisis with resposibility. Until their work was acknowledged across the State, hundreds of likeminded people, some of them as top Consultants and researchers across the globe became part of their mission-  working  together for sustainable development in  Kashmir. Finally, after two years of effort, the esro Kashmir was formally launched with the establishment of Kashmir’s first research based conservation organisation run by local environment professionals. In 2004 perspective broadened to encompass whole Western Himalaya supported by eIEN South Asia Node [esro International Environment Network- South Asia Node], the launch marks the start of a dynamic new initiative to engage new public and political support for conservation in Kashmir. 

Today mission,  esro Kashmir, led by a highly active Board of Directors and an Advisory Board consisting of professionals in the scientific, political, literary, and student communities is working  under 18 observer Nodes; expertise service support of 65 scientists &  more than 7000 volunteers across the Valley and is expanding....

We have mandate to promote Kashmir's ecological security, conserving biological diversity, ensuring sustainable use of natural resources, minimizing pollution &  wasteful consumption and promoting sustainable life style. We earns most of our budget for the objectives through entrepreneurial ventures and corporate partnerships. Our thrust area includes Wildlife, Forests and Water Resources  conservation and protection. Natural Disaster Mitigation, Environment Education, Pollution abatement, besides developing policy and advocating on all issues related to environment. Since we are now self supportive organization, in achieving our mission, esro Kashmir uses the following main programme methods

• Field programmes that serve as demonstration projects

• Public policy analysis and debates through independent research, consultation and campaigns

• Education activities for key target groups including the youth, professionals and administrators

• Communication through multimedia approaches

• Networking and supporting the work of fellow NGO's

• Mobilising necessary financial , scientific and technical resources  

In pursuing its mandate,  esro Kashmir works mainly at the interface between research and development and acts as a facilitator for generating new mountain-specific knowledge of relevance to mountain development. At the same time, attempts to ensure that new knowledge is shared among all relevant institutions, organisations, and individuals in the region.   esro Kashmir has been successful in networking with many partners: it has motivated local institutions to deal with mountain problems and to incorporate the mountain perspective which is esro's trademark.

Since 2004 esro Kashmir has grown to become renowned worldwide. Its success is reflected in a range of achievements:

• Over 65 scientists are associated with it

• 7000 volunteers across the Valley

• Members from more than 08 countries

• Published more than 132 scientific papers and reports

• Fostered over 16 fruitful collaborations

• Kashmirwide, our research has been used to advise policy-makers.

Most importantly, our work has made a difference: it has and will continue to help to solve problems for the environment and mankind. eIEN  South Asia Western Himalaya Kashmir is a capacity building project promoting Kashmir's ecological security, the largest project in the Shared Vision Program of the Kashmir. We have much to do together in our effort to conserve Kashmir environment.