Exploring bamboo resources as a viable option for sustainable livelihoods of mountain communities in the Himalayan region

Plant resources have been used to sustain human existence and development since ancient time. Bamboo is one of the important plant resources that determines the function and health of ecosystems, and well-being of human society. However, current use and consumption of bamboo resources has created some serious problems that will inevitably impede sustainable development of natural resources. The present study highlights on exploration of natural resource-based bamboo products used as a viable option for sustainable Livelihoods of subsistence communities in Himalayan region. The study led to the collection of data from 40% of local people, of whom 250 were exclusively traditional artisans involved in bamboo business. The study emphasized that trained collectors had significantly high income (535.20 ± 190.06) as compared to traditional collectors (202.65 ± 52.64). The study revealed that in the remote areas where the majority of the old generation were either illiterate or less educated but they have enormous knowledge of collection and preparation of bamboo products (62.6%) as compared to the young generation (45.3%). A total of three bamboo species i.e. Drepanostachyum falcatum, Thamnocalamus jaunsaresus, and Thamnocalamus spathiflorus were identified in the study area which are used by the local people for as a resource to preparation of more than fifteen bamboo products. Cost-benefit analysis of different bamboo products made by the local artisans was also analyzed. The study investigated various small scale industries and sectors that realised the importance of bamboo resources, including preparation of handicrafts, furniture, and paper production in the Himalayan region.