Challenges for Bio-cultural Diversity in the High Himalayas

Bio-cultural diversity relates to the interdependence of biological and cultural diversity, signifying how human practices safeguard and produce conditions for biodiversity to thrive. Bio-cultural diversity is often imperiled by the same forces that we attribute to ecosystem decline. ‘Territories of life,’ or areas and territories conserved by Indigenous peoples and local communities (ICCAs), are growing in importance as Indigenous and community-led initiatives to stymie forces that endanger biodiversity and culture. We present a case-study of an ICCA in the Nepali Himalayas, the Tsum Valley, to showcase bio-cultural diversity, and describe the challenges in maintaining its survival and actions undertaken to overcome these. We conclude with the broader issues and complexities in the wider conservation governance arena and how international organizations can facilitate alliances between bio-cultural and mainstream conservation practices.