Looking at road and railroad development data in the hindu kush-himalaya: Rock-solid impacts created by globalization, the world bank and its affiliates, as well as by the great himalaya trail

Abstract

Connectivity and transportation are key topics for vast and remote wilderness areas. It usually relates to obtain resources and to connect with coastal areas and oceans; human society has always been wrapped around such schemes. However, modern forms, approaches and specifically globalization have taken havoc on wilderness landscapes by now. Here I show road, railways and airport GIS data for the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region and elaborate patterns of impact. Findings display huge disturbances (socially, environmentally, economically and overall) from such a development and show that only a few areas are left with low construction impacts of roads, railways and airports. The future plans to develop and connect the regions further, and to connect them even more globally, must be seen as a wholesale write-off for wilderness areas in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region; an iconic area of global spiritual value.