TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE COLD DESERT OF LEH-LADAKH, INDIA

The Cold Desert of Leh-Ladakh is situated in the northernmost part of India and experiences extreme temperatures ranging from -30°C to 30°C. This region is home to indigenous communities that have a rich traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), which has been deeply ingrained in their close relationship with the environment for centuries. TEK has enabled these communities, including the Ladakhi, Tibetan, and Changpa peoples, to adapt and thrive in the harsh and challenging landscape of the area. Their intricate understanding of the region’s ecology, climate, flora, and fauna has been passed down through oral traditions from generation to generation, playing a significant role in natural resource management and enhancing the adaptation capacity of local people to the adverse impacts of climate change. However, with the encroachment of modernization and globalization, there is a growing urgency to document and preserve their age-old practices. Unfortunately, younger generations show too little interest in the traditional practices that have sustained their communities for generations, putting the rich cultural heritage of the region at risk. This article examines the importance of TEK of local indigenous communities in Leh-Ladakh in environmental adaptation and challenges faced by them in preserving their cultural and ecological heritage. It also emphasize the need for close collaboration between local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations to develop inclusive and effective conservation strategies.