Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched the Himachal Biodiversity Stakeholder-led Conservation Unified Scheme (HiBiSCUS), a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and sustainable use of biological resources through community participation.
The Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board released Rs 2 crore to the Forest Department for implementing the scheme across the state.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said HiBiSCUS would help protect Himachal Pradesh’s rich biological heritage while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities. He said the scheme would support ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, conservation of medicinal plants and enhancement of farmers’ incomes through market-linked interventions.
Around two lakh farmers and 10,000 community groups are expected to benefit from the initiative. A collaborative model involving the State Biodiversity Board, industry partners and farmers will ensure effective implementation and long-term sustainability.
The scheme will use digital monitoring tools, including geo-tagged photographs, field inspections and online dashboards, to ensure transparency and accountability.
Based on the framework of the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, HiBiSCUS aims to combine scientific management with traditional knowledge. It will focus on strengthening Biodiversity Management Committees, promoting medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation, improving habitats, plantation activities and creating market-based livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
