The Forests

For centuries the Van Gujjars’ livelihoods have revolved around buffalo husbandry, depending upon both the Himalayan forests and the practice of transhumance.

The Van Gujjars depend upon their forest homes for their survival and see themselves and their buffalo as intrinsic to the environment. Their intimate connection to and high regard for the forests is reflected in their beliefs. These people believe themselves, through their seasonal migration, to be a part of the forests’ active life force. Moreover, the community maintains the utmost respect and care for nature, whereby all fauna and flora are sacred.

The forest grasses and tree leaves are sustainably used for buffalo fodder by the Van Gujjars. Different types of both grasses and tree leaves are used, which reduces the pressure placed upon an individual species. Furthermore, rotationally using pastures and lopping leaves from trees allows the forests' resources to regenerate. Furthermore, the Van Gujjars do not lop new leaves, as these are toxic to the buffalo. Whilst lopping leaves for the buffalo’s overnight stay in the forest, the Van Gujjars sing and call to the buffalo so that they may locate their fodder.

The forests not only sustain the buffalo, but also provide fuel, housing materials, food and medicine for the Van Gujjars. However, over the decades the community have faced a variety of challenges, making the enactment of their sustainable forestry practices highly problematic.