Local communities’ perception and attitude towards dynamic ecosystem in a part of Kailash sacred landscape - India

Most ecosystems are affected by various types of disturbances, which play an important role in shaping the structure of the individual population and the character of ecosystems as a whole. Perceptions and experiences of the local community about these disturbances play an important role in developing the various adaptation strategies and policies. The present study was conducted in the upper part of the Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL) in India, situated in the Himkhola micro-watershed in the Chaundas valley of Dharchula block in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state. Survey methods were used to recognize the condition of major ecosystems from the past to the present. Based on the interview the opinion of locals on transformed ecosystems are: i) the ecosystems and natural resources were in much better conditions in the past, ii) locals have been able to protect their natural resources to an extent due to their efforts and interventions and ability to recognize the factors that have caused these changes, iii) community is suffering from transformation and adapting, which has a negative impact on human mythological and traditional values in nature, and iv) conservation practices and promoting green employment may be achieved by engaging the local community only through regular discussions among stakeholders and the local community.