Socioeconomic dynamics and resource utilization in and around the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Kashmir Himalaya: implications for conservation and sustainability

Access to natural resources plays a crucial role in sustaining rural livelihoods, particularly for communities living near forests and protected areas. This study examines the resource use and its impact on the socioeconomic dynamics among communities in and around the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary (HWLS), Kashmir Himalaya. A survey of 467 households in five villages and 283 migratory herders assessed their reliance on the sanctuary resources. Both villagers and migratory herders engaged in livestock rearing. However, the findings show significant disparities: migratory herders, with lower literacy levels and fewer economic opportunities, relied more on forest resources, in comparision to villagers who supplemented their reliance on forests with livestock rearing and agricultural activities. Essential resources like fuelwood, fodder, and medicinal plants sustained both the groups, with villagers consuming 4,680 kg of fuelwood annually and herders 3,060 kg during their seasonal stay. Regression analysis highlights that income, land, livestock, housing, occupation, and education influenced resource use. The study calls for sustainable resource management, advocating alternative energy, fodder cultivation, and economic diversification to reduce pressure on the HWLS. It aligns with global sustainability goals (SDG1, SDG2, SDG4, SDG7, SDG12, SDG15).