Socio-Ecological Vulnerability of Forest Dependent Communities to Climate Change along an Altitude Gradient in Western Himalayas

Shashidhar Kumar Jha; Ajeet K. Negi

doi:10.36808/if/2021/v147i2/154233

Socio-Ecological Vulnerability of Forest Dependent Communities to Climate Change along an Altitude Gradient in Western Himalayas

Authors

Shashidhar Kumar Jha Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand
Ajeet K. Negi Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2021/v147i2/154233

Keywords:

Vulnerability, Climate Change, Water, Agriculture, Forest, Himalaya.

Abstract

Micro level socio-ecological vulnerability assessment to climate change has a paramount significance in defining climate-risks, identification of site-specific sectoral remedial measures and fabrication of adaptation actions. Cross-sectional survey research design has been employed to examine the extent of socio-ecological vulnerability of 492 randomly selected households in 62 villages along an attitudinal gradient (<1200 m asl (zone A), 1201-1800 m asl (zone B), and >1801 m asl (zone C)) in Pauri District, Uttarakhand. Among the socio-ecological systems, highest vulnerability was recorded in socio-economic sector (0.92) followed by forests (0.80). The vulnerability was directly proportional to elevation and recorded highest in Zone 'C' (0.80). Socio-ecological systems contribute differently to overall vulnerability and it is determined by systems' sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Strategies for sector and site-specific adaptation are required that address bottlenecks in availability and accessibility to biophysical resources and socio-cultural complexities in mountainous settings. The results extend current knowledge among the research community and policymakers on socio-ecological changes affecting forest dependent communities. To reduce the policy level gap between bottom-up and top-down approaches, authors suggest precautionary and ongoing site-specific assessment, leading to effective and efficient handling of local issues in the context of climate change.

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