NIDS (Nepal Institute of Development Studies) started HDI (Humla Development Initiative) with the objective in creating sustainable development momentum of Humla district emphasizing the issues of poverty alleviation, food security and enhancing women and dalit in development through improved/appropriate technology promotion, sustainable agriculture promotion, biodiversity conservation and policy advocacy in Humla. Since Humla district is located in the remotest area in the northwest, most of the mainstream development has bypassed Humla resulting in the lower most rank in the development indexes in the country. The district has been ranked 74th out of 75th in the development index of the country. Similarly, it takes up the lowermost position in the poverty and deprivation, infrastructure development and women empowerment indexes according to SNV, ICIMOD and CBS/GN along with two other districts of the country. On the other hand, Humla scores relatively high, i.e., 56th of the 75 districts in the natural resources endowment index. However, the continued exploitation of the natural resources with the increasing population have already shown the signs of environment degradation making people difficult to sustain their living as well as put some species of plants and animals in endangered list. Likewise, in many of the other indicators, the district falls below 70th among 75 districts. Realizing the need of development interventions in Humla, NIDS with financial support from The Development Fund Norway started its activities in Humla. NIDS is involving in exploring the development possibilities of Humla since December 2004 and following the identified needs, Humla Development Initiative (HDI) project is gradually taking the momentum completing its pilot phase in 2007. The initial observations of development activities conducted from other governmental and non-governmental organizations in Humla, it was realized that any effort should be continued for a longer period to get the tangible impact. Further, the development program should be aimed at uplifting the vulnerable groups of the society in Humla. Thus, HDI project has a mission to work in Humla for 5 years as first phase.