Shimla: In a major push towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable rural development, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday launched the Himachal Biodiversity Stakeholder-led Conservation Unified Scheme (HIBISCUS). The flagship initiative aims to restore ecosystems, conserve biodiversity and generate sustainable livelihoods by actively involving local communities across the state.
To kick-start the programme, the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board released Rs 2 crore to the Forest Department for implementation of the scheme across Himachal Pradesh.
Community-Led Conservation Model
Launching the initiative, Chief Minister Sukhu described HIBISCUS as a landmark programme that combines biodiversity conservation with livelihood generation. He said the scheme seeks to preserve the state’s rich biological heritage while creating sustainable income opportunities for rural communities.
The Chief Minister noted that HIBISCUS will contribute significantly to ecological restoration, climate resilience, conservation of medicinal plant resources and enhancement of farmers’ incomes through market-linked interventions.
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Around Two Lakh Farmers to Benefit
According to the Chief Minister, nearly two lakh farmers and 10,000 community groups across Himachal Pradesh are expected to benefit from the scheme.
Implementation will follow a cost-sharing model involving:
- Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board
- Industry partners
- Participating farmers
The model has been designed to ensure long-term financial sustainability while encouraging active community participation.
Digital Monitoring for Transparency
To ensure effective implementation and accountability, the scheme will use digital monitoring systems, including geo-tagged photographs, field inspections and online dashboards.
These mechanisms are expected to improve transparency, track project progress in real time and facilitate timely monitoring of plantation and conservation activities.
Built on Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana Framework
HIBISCUS has adopted the framework of the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana and seeks to establish a biodiversity-positive development model by integrating scientific management with traditional ecological knowledge.
The scheme focuses on strengthening Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) while promoting sustainable conservation practices at the grassroots level.
Focus on Medicinal Plants and Sustainable Livelihoods
The programme envisages a comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation through:
- Plantation on forest, community, private and agricultural lands
- Conservation and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants
- Nursery development
- Capacity-building programmes
- Market-linked livelihood opportunities
- Habitat improvement
- Equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms
The initiative also aims to promote the cultivation of priority medicinal plant species, helping improve biodiversity while creating additional income sources for farmers.
Strengthening Climate Resilience
Chief Minister Sukhu said the scheme represents another milestone in the state government’s commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development and community-led natural resource management.
He added that HIBISCUS will strengthen climate resilience while reinforcing Himachal Pradesh’s position as one of India’s leading states in biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration.
Senior Officials Present
The launch programme was attended by several senior officials, including:
- Principal Secretary, Technical Education, Dr. Abhishek Jain
- Secretary, Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change, Sushil Kumar Singla
- Director, Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change-cum-Member Secretary, HP State Biodiversity Board, Pushpendra Rana
- Joint Member Secretary of the Board, Dr. Suresh C. Attri
Senior officers from the Forest Department and the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board.
