Long-term food security is a broad development issue. Food security cannot be achieved without enhancing livelihood options, and the livelihoods of poor communities cannot be improved unless productive resources, such as water, land, forest, rangeland, biodiversity, and the natural environment,
are conserved and their access and optimal utilisation are ensured. From the mountain perspective, it is necessary, therefore, to take a holistic approach. A sustainable strategy for improving food security calls for a package of measures including strengthening upstream downstream relationships. Under its new strategy, ICIMOD is focusing on Enhancing income through mountain niche-based products and resource endowments as well as enhancing livelihood options, Reducing risks & vulnerabilities of loss of assets, crops, and lives from natural hazards, Developing options, ideas, and institutional arrangements to protect and develop watershed resources.