Introduction and Overview

Mountains and hills, covering over a quarter of the Earth’s land surface, sustain 15% of the global population and offer vital ecosystem goods and services. However, these fragile ecosystems face increasing threats from deforestation, urbanization, biodiversity loss, agricultural decline, and climate change. This volume presents an interdisciplinary exploration of the rapidly changing livelihood patterns and ecological dynamics in hill and mountain regions. Drawing on recent data, field observations, and case studies from various altitudes and regions—including the Indian highlands, Bhutan, the Philippines, and the Hindu Kush Himalayas—the contributions highlight the impacts of biodiversity loss, shifting cultivation, land abandonment, and ecosystem degradation. Unique insights are provided into community-based and nature-based solutions for sustainable livelihoods, with particular emphasis on Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK), sacred groves, and local ecological practices. The interdisciplinary approach integrates cultural, ecological, and developmental dimensions to understand and address second-generation challenges in transitioning agricultural systems. The volume offers crucial policy insights to reverse biodiversity loss, mitigate climate change, and enhance resilience among mountain communities. Ultimately, it underscores the need for adaptive strategies to ensure ecological sustainability and poverty reduction in hill and mountain regions.