Biocultural community protocols for livestock keepers
In spring 2010, the local forest department denied the Bargur cattle breeders the “penning
permits” which have provided them with the permission to pen their herds in the forest
during certain parts of the year. This scenario represents a grave threat to the livelihoods
of the Lingayat and the survival of the Bargur cattle breed. The community is using the
Biocultural Protocol in its efforts to revert the decision (Lingayat, 2009).
Pashtoon Biocultural Community Protocol
The Pashtoon are livestock breeders living in the northeastern part of Baluchistan Province
of Pakistan. In their community protocol, they mention 6 sheep breeds, 2 breeds of goats and
donkeys, as well as one breed each of cattle and camels. Each breed has its specific characteristics with respect to drought resistance, prolificacy, quality of products and marketability.
Livestock is kept in semi-nomadic systems, and communities have specific traditional
grazing areas composed of mountainous and plain lands. During the monsoon rains, the
herds are moved into the highlands, where they graze the mountain pastures. In winter
they are moved down to the piedmont area. Access to resources is governed by customary
laws. If conflicts arise, tribal elders (jirga) settle the issue. However, camel grazing is never
restricted – camels can graze anywhere throughout the year.
The protocol provides interesting insights into the traditional rules by which access to resources was regulated. For instance, pastoralists from Afghanistan travelling through the
area on a seasonal basis have the right of passage and can spend three days in one place,
but are not allowed to establish permanent dwellings. There are also traditional community
conserved areas known as pargorr (Pashtoon, 2010).
Participants in the meeting to
develop the Pashtoon Biocultural Community protocol
(photo courtesy of Society of
Animal, Veterinary and Environmental Scientists)
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