Himalayan natural resources and india's green economy: a theoretical assessment

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is an important mountainous eco-region that contributes significantly to environmental sustainability and India's development through its natural resources and ecosystem services. Spanning 13 states and union territories, the Himalayan region provides resources such as forests, water, biological diversity, hydroelectricity, agriculture, and tourism, contributing to the region's livelihoods, climate regulation, food security, and economy. Nevertheless, climate change, unsustainable natural resource extraction, urbanization, and infrastructure construction strain the region's ecological balance. The theoretical paper aims to examine the contribution of the Himalayas' natural resources to developing India's green economy, using Natural Capital Theory, Ecological Economics, the Ecosystem Services approach, and the Sustainable Livelihoods approach. By synthesizing literature from various disciplines, the paper highlights the economic importance of ecosystem services. It stresses the need for sustainable natural resource management, ecosystem assessment, community involvement, and green investments.