The Districts of Almora, Chamoli and Ranikhet are three important hilly districts of Uttarakhand. Inspite of richness and uniqueness of natural resources the region remains relatively underdeveloped with widespread poverty, which may accentuate environmental degradation. Socio economic indicators of this region are low, with low levels of education and health care, high food insecurity and shrinking community livelihood sources characterized by the loss of critical ecosystem services. Agriculture is the most important livelihood activity in this region, employing more than 70% of the labour force. The people depend directly on the region's globally significant ecosystems for their sustenance and support. These three districts have been affected by differential degrees of anthropogenic interventions, including developmental activities, habitat loss and degradation. Emergence of river valley projects, unplanned infrastructure built often disregarding the fragility and functionality of ecosystems (fall out of urbanization) and mass tourism has also significantly impacted the quality of life of the local population.