Research

Overview

As part of the process to become an Indian National Park, GHNP was the focus of scientific, environmental, and socio-economic surveys to better understand its context during 1980s and 90s. Indian scientists from different institutions and the government, worked with scientists from abroad studying many aspects of Park, including defining boundaries, identify the geography and geology, the flora and fauna, and assessing social issues and government legal responsibilities. Long-term ecological monitoring sites were also set up to develop base-line data at important locations in the Park.

Park research continues, often with Indian and foreign students doing graduate work. As resources for Indian research are limited, self-motivated individuals working within their institutional setting or the HP Forest Dept, carry out scientific studies when possible. At present, there is no systematic, on-going research program in the Park. There are virtually endless opportunities for Park research and countless graduate degrees (MAs, MSc, PhDs) are waiting to be discovered. One of the goals of greathimalayannationalpark.com website is to be the definitive site for past and current GHNP research projects, ideas, and networking. Better understanding the Park, in all intellectual disciplines, can only further its value as a common heritage for all humankind.