G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development was established in August 1988, at Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, as an autonomous institute of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The Institute is identified as a focal agency, to advance scientific knowledge, to evolve integrated management strategies, demonstrate their efficacy for conservation of natural resources and to ensure environmentally sound development in the entire Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Apart from undertaking research and technology development and/or demonstration on its own, the Institute has established linkages with National and International Organizations committed to environment and development linked issues in the mountain regions.