Renowned environmentalist and alternate Nobel Prize winner Dr Vandana Shiva said being the biggest custodians of bio-diversity, it was the responsibility of people in the Himalayas to protect the environment and make judicious use of natural resources.

Founder of Navdanya, aiming at reconnecting farmers, society and the earth, Shiva stressed the need for reviving tarditional system of agriculture, horticulture and family for survival in future. She delieverd the keynote address at a workshop on “Change in Himalayas: Issues, Concerns and Remedial Measures”, orgainsed jointly by Navdanya and the Institute of Integrated Himalayan Studies (IIHS), Himachal Pradesh University,here today.

Touching various aspects of climate change in the Himalayas, Shiva said the earth was being exploited by everyone. “Due to indiscriminate exploitation, the earth too has started hitting back in the form of drought, floods, cyclones, cloudburst, shrinking glaciers and change in weather cycle,” she remarked.

Rather than repenting when it will be too late, it is better that remedial and corrective steps are taken now, she added.

“If excessive use of natural resources does not stop now, the day is not far when we will have to long even for a drop of water and the future generations will curse us for such callousness,” she warned.

She said green-house effect had adversely affected life cycle of people as it had given rise to increased medical complications.

Emphasising on the need for a direct relationship between producer and customer, Shiva said bio-diversity conservation, promotion of organic culture, protecting farmers’ rights and fair trade should be promoted to provide farmers with economically viable market.

“Organic agriculture is not just about a source of safer, healthier and tastier food but it can be the answer to rural poverty, environmental degradation and hunger,” she said.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Sunil Kumar Gupta, Vice-Chancellor of the HPU, said with change in weather, the rain cycle too had changed, forcing farmers and growers to adapt accordingly.

“The need of the hour is to highlight the issue of climate change and prepare a strategy so that people do not have to face the worst,” he said.

Dr Vidya Sharda, director, IIHS, highlighted the activities of the UGC centre of excellence.