THE protection of forests and rivers is at the heart of protecting the ecology of the Himalayas. But any long-term, sustainable effort must include the concerns of people living near forests and rivers. The strength of the Himalayi Paryavaran Shikshaa Sansthaan (HPSS) is that its work is rooted in an understanding of the links between the protection of rivers and forests and the sustainable welfare of the people. Deeply committed to the protection of rivers and forests, the HPSS does not talk of this issue in isolation but relates it to the aspirations of the people for sustainable livelihoods and the welfare of their villages.