The Himalayas greatly affect the economic well-being of billions of people on earth. This region is heavily populated with unmatched cultural and ethnic diversity, generated by its complex topography and climate variability. Considered as one of the 25 global hotspots of biodiversity, it is under tremendous pressure from a burgeoning population. The Darjeeling hills are known for their unique levels of biodiversity and scenic landscapes and are widely covered with forests. With stoppage of income from forest operations, the pressure on land had increased, with people engaging in illicit collection of firewood, livestock grazing and non-timber forests products. This project was undertaken with a view to conserve biodiversity through development of alternate livelihood options like floriculture, cultivation of medicinal plants and apiculture, in the Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary area. This project aimed at preservation of unique forest resources, better utilization of available cultivable lands, and promotion of tourism, as an income and employment generating activity.

Goal of the project:
The goal of the project was to conserve biological diversity, through development of alternative livelihood options, based on sustainable use of natural resources and clear understanding of policies and institutional constraints.
Objectives of the study were:
? Reducing the dependence of forest dwellers on wild biological resources, by developing alternative livelihood options.
? Create or strengthen local institutions for empowerment of women in sustainable management of natural resources.