Dependence of Grazing Communities on Forests in National Parks: Issues and Solutions

Context: The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), chaired by the Union Environment Minister, has directed the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to conduct a comprehensive study on the dependence of pastoralist and nomadic communities on forests within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

About the Issue

• Pastoralist communities depend on forests within protected areas for grazing during the seasonal migration of livestock.
• SC-NBWL has tasked WII to:
  • Assess the extent and nature of dependence
  • Examine legal frameworks and constraints
  • Study socio-economic and ecological dimensions
• States in focus: The study will focus on states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Funding mechanism: Funding is proposed through the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)

Key Communities Involved:

• Gujjars, Bakkarwals, Bhotia, Van Gujjars
• Maldharis, Rabari, Raika
• Dhangar, Gaddi, Changpa, Kuruba, among others

Significance

• Livelihood Security: Pastoralism sustains millions through livestock-based products while utilising vast rangelands critical for rural economies.
• Ecological Role: Regulated grazing supports grassland health and biodiversity, aligning with global frameworks like the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
• Policy Relevance: It highlights the need to reconcile conservation goals with traditional rights through balanced, evidence-based policymaking.

Challenges

• Legal & Institutional Constraints: Overlapping and unclear legal frameworks restrict pastoralists’ grazing rights, creating conflicts between conservation laws and traditional livelihoods.
• Seasonal Migration Issues: Inter-state mobility of pastoralists leads to regulatory inconsistencies and weak institutional coordination.
• Rangeland Degradation: Declining pasture availability and livestock pressure accelerate ecological degradation and reduce carrying capacity.
• Conservation Concerns: Unregulated grazing may disturb habitats and intensify competition with native wildlife species.
• Global Dimension: Widespread degradation of rangelands globally highlights the urgency for sustainable management and policy intervention.

Way Forward

• Institutionalising Access: Establishing regulated grazing systems can balance livelihood needs with conservation priorities.
• Legal Clarity: Harmonised laws recognising customary rights can reduce conflicts and ensure sustainable resource use.
• Sustainable Rangeland Management: Scientific practices like rotational grazing can restore ecosystems while supporting pastoral economies.
• Community Participation: Inclusion of pastoralists enhances conservation outcomes through traditional ecological knowledge.
• Evidence-Based Policy: Data-driven policymaking can enable a balanced coexistence of biodiversity conservation and livelihoods.

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