Empowering the Northern Himalayas through the Mountain Collective

Mountain Forum Himalayas (MFH) is at the forefront of transformative change in the Northern Himalayan region, encompassing Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh. Since our inception, we have fostered over 100 grassroots organizations and social movements, channeling local expertise to address the needs of marginalized communities.

In December 2012, MFH launched the Mountain Collective, a groundbreaking multi-stakeholder platform that unites people’s organizations, civil society networks, and dedicated individuals from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This coalition is designed to tackle critical issues including climate change, rural employment, river conservation, forest fire prevention, and women’s empowerment.

Through the Mountain Collective, we have spearheaded impactful campaigns such as:

• Save River Movement
• Millets Movement
• Raksha Sutra Campaign
• Anti-Forest Fire Campaign
• Ekal Nari Shakti Sangathan (Single Women’s Platform)

We also champion initiatives like water conservation and the seed ball campaign, demonstrating our commitment to preserving natural resources and fostering sustainable development.

The Mountain Collective is a robust alliance consisting of:

• 115 Voluntary Organizations: Passionate groups delivering essential services and support on the ground.
• 21 People’s Organizations: Grassroots entities that advocate for and represent local communities.
• 23 Subject Experts: Specialists offering critical insights and knowledge across various fields.
• 13 Institutions: Established bodies providing resources, research, and strategic direction.

Together, we form a dynamic network that drives regional development and resilience, ensuring a stronger, more sustainable future for the Himalayan communities we serve.

Mountain Relief Network (MRN) - Enhancing Disaster Resilience through Strategic Partnerships

Mountain Relief Network (MRN), a key initiative of Mountain Forum Himalayas (MFH), is dedicated to bolstering disaster response across the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). With a network of over 350 member organizations, MRN plays a crucial role in delivering disaster relief, rehabilitation, and post-relief support.

Addressing the challenges of remote access and delayed information, MRN provides a vital platform for local, national, and international agencies to deliver aid within 24-48 hours of a disaster. Our approach ensures timely, accurate, and effective relief operations, crucial in the face of the severe climate change impacts affecting the Himalayan ecosystem.

MRN has mapped the region and established local focal points capable of rapid damage assessment and relief coordination. These focal points streamline aid distribution, ensuring that support reaches the most affected communities swiftly.

In addition to immediate relief, MRN collaborates with local partners and donors to support ongoing rehabilitation and development efforts. By bridging information gaps and enhancing local response capabilities, MRN strengthens disaster resilience and climate adaptation.

As an evolving, multi-stakeholder platform, MRN is committed to expanding its reach and effectiveness in disaster response and risk reduction across the Himalayas.