Mountain systems are very rich in natural resources and the source of much of these resources for the populated plains at their base, in the form of water, timber, minerals, and even medicines. The inner Himalayan valleys however are among the poorest and the least developed regions in the world and their indigenous communities are being increasingly marginalised. The mountain ecosystems are in grave danger from overexploitation of their resources. Their rich cultural heritage is also threatened by the winds of change. Pragya is working with indigenous mountain communities, facilitating appropriate development in the overexploited Himalayan valleys.

Every Pragya project is a pragmatic blend of conservation and development. While each project focusses on certain identified needs, the approach is one of integrated development of the project area and client communities. The process is one of community-led development, with focus on empowerment and involvement of marginalised groups. Pragya projects are multidisciplinary interventions involving rigorous study, innovations blending the traditional and modern, and real value change. The Pragya team has also developed a set of successfully applied development frameworks and techniques: