Systematic Review of Multi-Dimensional Vulnerabilities in the Himalayas

Abstract

The Himalayan region is a fragile high mountain landscape where the population experiences acute vulnerability within a complex coupled human–natural system due to environmental, social, and economic linkages. The lack of significant regional and spatial knowledge of multi-faceted vulnerabilities hinders any potential recommendations to address these vulnerabilities. We systematically reviewed the literature to recommend mitigation interventions based on the region’s socio-economic and ecological vulnerability research to date. We applied the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) criteria to search for results from four comprehensive databases. For our assessment, we compiled a final sample (n = 59) of vulnerability research papers to examine the vulnerability types, spatial variation, assessment methodology, and significant drivers of change. Our study represented all Himalayan countries, namely, India, Nepal, Pakistan, China, and Bhutan. More than half of the vulnerability studies were conducted in the central Himalayan region, a quarter in the western Himalayas, and a few in the eastern Himalayas. Our review revealed that the primary drivers of change were climate change, land use/land cover, and glacial lake formation. The vulnerability assessments in the Himalayan region primarily used social science methods as compared to natural science methods. While the vulnerability studies seldom assessed mitigation interventions, our analysis identified fourteen recommendations. The recommended interventions mainly included policy interventions, livelihood improvement, and adaptation measures. This study emphasized that sustainable development requires cross-sectoral interventions to manage existing resources and mitigate the confronting vulnerabilities of the region.

Construction and Demonstration of the Evaluation System of Public Participation Level in Urban Planning Based on the Participatory Video of ‘General Will—Particular Will’

“…Participatory videos bring a wide range of public participation, provides the possibility of expression and a voice for various groups of society-within a certain range-and alleviate the plight of some vulnerable groups marginalized by mainstream society [30]. As a form of relatively 'accessible' visual art, images can break the elite monopoly of art to some extent, help marginalized groups to accumulate cultural and social capital, and become a means for marginalized groups to build their own subjective spiritual space so as to realize the shaping and production of the social space [31].…”

Assessing the Nexus between Climate Change and Public Health in Nepal: A Comprehensive Exploration of Impacts, Vulnerabilities, and Adaptive Strategies

“…Employing the PRISMA criteria, the researchers conducted a thorough search across four databases, resulting in 59 vulnerability research papers for analysis, covering all Himalayan countries. The majority of vulnerability studies were concentrated in the central Himalayan region, followed by the western Himalayas, with fewer studies in the eastern Himalayas (Sultan et al, 2022). Key drivers of change included climate change, land use/land cover, and glacial lake formation.…”

Mountaineering in the Himalayas: A Comprehensive Analysis Through a Literature Review and Research Profiling

“…al. [17] identified climate change, land use/land cover, and glacial lake formation as primary drivers of change. Several review articles in the field of mountaineering should also be mentioned, including one by Coalter et al [18], which provides a review of the literature on the benefits of mountaineering and mountaineering-related activities.…”