Overview
This protocol specifically:
• Sets out our bio-cultural values and explains how we, the Lingayats, have
developed and preserved unique breeds of livestock and traditional knowledge
associated with them, and how our pastoral lifestyle has developed the co-evolved
ecosystem of Bargur forests which we have traditionally conserved and
sustainably used;
• Details our customary decision making process involved in providing free prior
informed consent to any actions that relate to our grazing rights, animal genetic
resources and associated traditional knowledge;
• Illustrates the disastrous impacts that our exclusion from previously communal
grazing areas and forests is having on our lives, livestock, genetic resources,
traditional knowledge and the forest ecosystem itself;
• Articulates our forest access rights and rights over our genetic resources and
associated traditional knowledge under Indian law
It calls on the National Biodiversity Authority to:
• Recognize our Bargur cattle, Malai Erumai (hill buffalo) and associated
traditional knowledge as set out in the Lingayayts Biodiversity Register and to
include it in the Peoples Biodiversity Register;
• Facilitate the setting up of Biodiversity Management Committees in Bargur
Panchayat where we live and to support these Committees in ensuring the
conservation and sustainable use of our breed diversity and traditional knowledge;
• Strengthen in situ conservation of breeds viz Bargur cattle, Malai Erumai / hill
buffalo of the Lingayats and include them in the BMC being initiated by the
government;
• Advise the Central Government and coordinate the activities of the State
Biodiversity Board to protect the customary grazing rights of the Lingayats and
eradicate Lantana camara so as to safeguard our traditional lifestyles that ensure
the conservation and sustainable use of the our breed diversity, associated
traditional knowledge and the local ecosystem ;
• Ensure that our prior informed consent (according to customary law) is obtained
before any decision are taken (such as tree planting in forests, solar powered
fencing, artificial insemination) that affect our traditional way of life or access is
granted to our breed diversity and associated traditional knowledge for research or
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