Welcome to Institute of Himalayan Environmental Research and Education (INHERE)
The Institute of Himalayan Environmental Research and Education (INHERE) is dedicated to sustainable development in the Himalayan mountain region – its People, Environment and Economy . With its main office at Masi, Almora, in the picturesque Ramganga valley of Kumaun region of Uttarakhand in India, INHERE is working for holistic development of the region with active involvement of local communities since 1982. At INHERE, we have continuously striven to be an open and a learning organization, inculcating an organizational culture to achieve effectiveness and excellence.
Agriculture and Livelihoods
Agriculture is the base of the region’s economy. More than seventy four per cent of the total work forces is involved in agriculture. All agriculture activities except ploughing are done by women. Land holdings are very small (less than one acre on average) and highly fragmented. At present stage, in majority villages agriculture is not providing food for more than four five months in the upland mountain areas and eight to ten months in the valley areas where some irrigation is possible.
Human Resource Development
INHERE has worked as a Resource Centre for the promotion of elementary education focusing on development and propagation of child centred teaching-learning methodology based on local resources and knowledge. It has focused on the development of low cost reading and learning material to make education more enjoyable.
Environment and Natural resources
We have been working to undo the great damage done to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem by large scale deforestation, forestation with monoculture plantation, construction of roads, blasting of geological structures, construction of settlements in prime agricultural land, extension of agriculture to marginal lands, quarrying, overgrazing and other unscientific and thoughtless changes in landuse.
Basic Infrastructure and Amenities
The health facilities are inadequate and limited in the area. It is not easy for the poor and sick in mountain villages to access the facilities which
