Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: National Board for Wildlife, CAMPA, pastoralism, transhumance
Mains: GS Paper 3 — Environment, Biodiversity, Conservation vs Livelihoods

Why in News?

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has directed the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to conduct a comprehensive study on the dependence of pastoral and nomadic communities on forests within national parks and sanctuaries.

Who are Pastoralist Communities?

Pastoralists are communities that depend on livestock rearing and seasonal migration (transhumance) for livelihood.

Prominent examples in India include:

Gujjars
Bakkarwals
Gaddis
Raikas
Dhangars
Maldharis
Changpas

These communities depend on:

Grasslands
Forest areas
Scrublands and plateaus

Key Issue: Grazing vs Conservation

Pastoralists often migrate seasonally across:

State boundaries
Forest areas
Protected regions (national parks & sanctuaries)

This creates a policy conflict:

Conservation Goals	Livelihood Needs
Protect wildlife habitats	Access to grazing land
Restrict human activity	Sustain traditional livelihoods
Prevent overgrazing	Maintain pastoral economy

What Did the Panel Highlight?

Pastoral communities face difficulties accessing grazing rights inside protected areas
A balanced approach is needed between:
- Conservation
- Livelihood rights

Grazing can actually contribute to:

Habitat management
Maintaining grassland ecosystems

Key Institutions Mentioned

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
→ Apex body for wildlife conservation in India
Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
→ Research and advisory body on wildlife
CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority)
→ Funds afforestation and conservation activities

International Context

The issue aligns with concerns raised under the
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

👉 Especially in fragile ecosystems like:

Himalayas
Arid and semi-arid regions

India-Specific Dimension

India has a large pastoral population
Many communities are historically dependent on forests
Policy challenge:
- Integrating traditional ecological knowledge
- With modern conservation frameworks

Quick Recap for Exam

What: Study ordered on pastoral communities’ dependence on forests inside protected areas

Who: Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL)

Conducted by: Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

Why: Conflict between conservation goals and grazing rights

Key angle: Balancing biodiversity protection with traditional livelihoods

CBL Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

The National Board for Wildlife is chaired by the Prime Minister
CAMPA funds are used for wildlife conservation and afforestation
Pastoralists primarily depend on industrial agriculture

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: A

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Conservation policies in India often come into conflict with traditional livelihood practices.”
Critically examine this statement in the context of pastoral communities and protected areas. (250 words)

FAQs

1. Why is grazing in protected areas controversial?

Because it creates conflict between biodiversity conservation and livelihood rights of pastoral communities.

2. What is transhumance?

It is the seasonal migration of pastoral communities along with their livestock.

3. Which body regulates wildlife conservation in India?

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is the apex advisory body.

4. How does grazing help ecosystems?

Controlled grazing can maintain grasslands and prevent ecological imbalance.

Panel Orders Study on Grazing Communities in National Parks