Coproducing Sustainability Solutions in the Sikkim Himalaya: Bridging the Science, Policy, Practice Divide

Abstract

The science, policy, practice interface (SPPI) in the country is contentious. Policy makers and practitioners seldom demand scientific inputs for decision making, while scientists largely focus on disciplinary studies rarely addressing on-ground problems. We share experiences of working on the SPPI in the Sikkim Himalaya from 2000-2015. These case studies cover the themes of sustainability of the pastoral systems in the Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) now a UNESCO world heritage site, promoting sustainable livelihoods for the ultra-poor under MGNREGA, the world’s largest public works program and designing dhara vikas – a pioneering Himalayan spring revival programme. Addressing on-ground sustainability challenges in the country will need a paradigm shift in the way policy makers and practitioners take decisions and scientists create knowledge. We recommend the coproduction approach or the joint production of actionable science by policy makers, scientists, managers, and others by first identifying the specific decisions to be made and then planning out the research together.

About the speaker

Sandeep Tambe is a member of the Indian Forest Service. He is passionate about conservation, livelihoods and water security. He has been instrumental in driving sustainable development in the Khangchendzonga landscape (highest ecosystem in the country) by securing wildlife areas, effectively implementing livelihood programs and by reviving Himalayan springs (dhara vikas) using scientific and people centric approaches. He has diverse work experience having worked in government, NGO and academic institutions. He has served as the chief conservator of forests, project manager with The Mountain Institute and as special secretary in the Rural Management and Development Department, Government of Sikkim before joining the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM). At IIFM he teaches courses related to forest policy and law, rural planning and livelihoods, natural resources management and project management. He has authored 20 research papers and penned a few books. He has experience in consulting assignments in the conservation and livelihoods sector. He graduated from IIT Mumbai, is a postgraduate in forestry from the Forest Research Institute (FRI) and a Ph.D. from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). He was selected as the top 25 persons of the year by the Forbes India magazine in 2010, was conferred the T. N. Khoshoo Memorial Award in 2012, Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2013, National Award for Excellence in Sustainable Livelihoods in 2014, Sikkim State Award for Meritorious Service in 2014, National Award for Excellence in Transparency and Accountability in 2015 and the Best Teacher Award by IIFM students in 2017.