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Participatory Assessment of Sustainable Scenarios for Himalayan Pastoralism

Research project in Human Ecology

Project's title: Participatory Assessment of Sustainable Scenarios for Himalayan Pastoralism (The Swedish Research Council - SIDA- Swedish Research Links 2007-2009; The Swedish Research Council 2008-2010)

Project's duration: 2007-2010

Contact person: Pernille Gooch

Human Ecology

Overview

The aim of this project is to provide reliable socioeconomic and environmental information on the pastoral/livestock systems in the Central Indian Himalayas. Although they are highly relevant for the sustainability and biodiversity of the higher mountain ranges as well as for the livelihood of the mountain people they have so far remained under-researched.

The project aims to:

  • improve scientific understanding of participatory and transdisciplinary approaches to identify the issues related to sustainability of pastoralism
  • integrate results within a broader theoretical understanding of the interrelations between society and nature in order to bridge social and natural sciences
  • provide reliable socioeconomic and environmental information on the pastoral systems in the region that has so far remained under-researched

For the study two pastoral communities have been selected, the Bhotias and the Van Gujjars of Uttharakand. Both transact right from the foothills to the alpine meadows thus covering the entire altitudinal eco-zones of the Himalayas. The linkages with numerous other stakeholders (sedentary agricultural, traders, tourism, forestry, conservation etc) of bio-resources will be covered in the project.

This is a joint, interdisciplinary project between researchers in Sweden and India developed within the Sida Asian – Swedish Research Partnership Program.