ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The preparation of the initial communication was funded by the Global Environment Facilities, through its implementing agency the United Nations Environment Programme and the US – Countries Studies Programme and their support are gratefully acknowledged.
 

Thanks also go to all institutions, departments and private sector organisations which provided the necessary inputs and contributed towards the finalization of this report.
 

A special acknowledgement is extended to Messrs D.S Ramen and B. Ramlowat who were responsible for typing the manuscript and for the artwork.