I had an opportunity to visit the northern part of Sikkim recently: the enthralling and captivating beauty of Lachung, Yumthang valley, the flora and fauna around Chomoyummo and Khangchengyao peaks provided an impetus for me to put forward the essence of nature in front of you.

KATHMANDU, March 15: Challenges to ecosystems and ways to overcome such challenges was discussed at a regional symposium held in Kathmandu on March 13 and 14. It was organized jointly by the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the UK's Ecosystem Services for Poverty Alleviation (ESPA) program and UN's Program on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation.