Western Himalaya Mini-Vikalp Sangam Report 2016

The 2016 Western Himalaya Mini-Vikalp Sangam report outlines a meeting held from August 20-22, 2016, in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. Organized by Sambhaavnaa, Jagori, Deer Park, and Kalpavriksh, it gathered 25 participants from 10 organizations across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The primary focus was on discussing alternatives to dominant economic and political models, especially for the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

The participants, including activists and practitioners, shared their work on topics such as organic farming, women's empowerment, forest conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Discussions also covered resisting harmful developmental projects like hydropower and mining, which pose environmental risks.

Key outcomes included forming collaborations, addressing challenges, and exploring a vision for sustainable development in the Himalayas. The meeting concluded with an action plan for future collaboration and the potential for a larger Vikalp Sangam in 2017. The event stressed the importance of cross-learning and creating a holistic alternative framework for development, integrating social justice, ecological sustainability, and democratic governance​.