A three day workshop on "Unlocking the potential of youth in context of climate change" from 28th to 30th of April was organized by Central Himalayan Environment Association, in collaboration with Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development(GBPIHED),Almora as the knowledge partner and financially supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES),Germany. The idea was to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change through discussions on potential research topics and methodologies and by developing new ideas.

Dr PP Dhyani, Director GBPIHED, the chief guest of the workshop expressed the need to strengthen the capacities of young researchers to respond effectively to the challenges faced. He introduced an initiative taken by the institute which is a Himalayan forum for young researchers in the month of September, 2014 with the intend to offer a platform for dialogue and reflections among budding researchers in the region. Prof S. P. Singh, Chair of Excellence at FRI and former Vice Chancellor Garhwal University, threw light on climate change and also highlighted the critical conditions of the Himalayas which in turn urges a need for quality research. Subrat Sharma, Scientist of GBPIHED, gave an insight into the tools of accessing climate change vulnerability and also encouraged the participants to venture into new areas of research. Dr. Pushkin Phartiyal, Executive Director of CHEA emphasized on thinking creatively and out of the box in order to have a multidimensional outlook of research.

Dr. R.S Rawal Scientist of GBPIHED discussed cross cutting issues and that research should be change responsive. Dr GCS Negi, Scientist of GBPIHED spoke about connecting the youth with their role models and emphasized on the need for skill building centers. Professor TS Papola, honorary professor, Institute of studies in industrial development (ISID), New Delhi mentioned the growing need for local level community based assessment and studying the impacts on livelihood. Ms Sonali Bisht advisor, Institute of Himalayan environment research and education (INHERE), Almora presented an in-depth analysis of the effect of climate change on agriculture and stressed on continuous need for climate smart agricultural research and practice. Ms Bhawana Luthra, Head Programme, Lead India, New Delhi focused on changing trends and vulnerability assessment that helps determining priorities. Dr Ashish Tewari Asst professor, Dept of forestry and environment science, Kumaon University emphasized on the need for networking in the present day. Professor PD Pant, professor Dept of Geology, Kumaon University talked about evaluating quality research by empowering the researchers. Professor Shekhar Pathak Founder of PAHAR and Historian enlightened us on the geography and topography of the Himalayan region. Dr Rajeev Semwal, coordinator ministry of environment and forestry mentioned the need job securities and incentives for young researchers. Dr Rajendra Singh, conservator Research, Department of Forest said that climate change is not the problem but the pace at which it is taking place.