Contribution of Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Pastoral Communities in Sustainable Rangeland Management in Nepal

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of pastoralist communities plays a vital role in the sustainable management of rangelands. This study documents the knowledge systems, practices, and governance mechanisms of high-altitude pastoral communities in Nepal and examines how these attributes contribute to rangeland management, biodiversity conservation, livelihood sustainability, and climate change adaptation. Data were gathered through focus group discussions (n = 12), key informant interviews (n = 103), participatory mapping (n = 12), and direct observations in two rural municipalities of Jumla, District, Nepal. Descriptive analysis was conducted for quantitative data, while thematic analysis was performed for qualitative data. Pastoral communities possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plant species and use them to treat livestock diseases. Herders practice a traditional transhumance system, guided by a customary grazing calendar that includes established 57 routes and 111 stopping locations for certain periods used for generations. They also adopt rotational grazing by dividing pastures into smaller paddocks and systematically moving livestock from one paddock to another, while also diversifying their herd composition. Customary rules, the designation of sacred places, and adherence to certain rituals help conserve ecosystems and foster their connection with nature. Despite the importance of traditional ecological knowledge, the pastoral knowledge system is being weakened by climate change, modernization, and changing perceptions among younger generations, leading to reduced rangeland productivity and decreased reliability of traditional practices. Documenting and preserving TEK not only supports pastoral communities in adapting to environmental and socio-economic changes but also provides valuable insights for policymakers and researchers.