Use of Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Use of traditional knowledge for sustainable management of natural resources has been identified as a vital option for alternate income generation in the rural community residing in area of Garhwal Himalaya. The pilot study had been initiated in few remote hilly villages of Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts of Garhwal providing scope for rural women to manage natural resources with long term livelihood option. Major objectives of the study was to explore the potentials of traditional knowledge in natural resources management in the area and to recommend their sustainable use. Identification of natural resources was selected by initiating series of group meetings with rural women of the area. Indigenous species of potential crop have been identified as natural resource for empowering the rural community. Adequate scientific training and information for cultivation of those natural resources and seedlings of indigenous plants has been provided under the project. The outcome in initial progress shows that the rural women are keen to participate in such type of innovations, but they lack technical knowledge and training. Most women of the area do not have knowledge about using natural and indigenous resources for cultivation and need technical support. There was need for capacity building and skills development among these rural women.