Conservation in the Sikkim Himalaya: Traditional Knowledge and Land-use of the Mamlay Watershed

摘要: The ecological problems, including degradation of fragile ecosystems, the Himalaya are quite conspicuous. A rapid depletion forest resources is main cause environmental and economic deterioration. Watersheds considered as a unit for natural resource management development in hilly areas; therefore case-study Mamlay watershed Sikkim presented this paper. Mamley presents viable system having gradient altitude where almost all types land-uses that common eastern found. All ethno-cultural groups present watershed, although agricultural sector provides land-use, followed by forestry. Most forested areas have been purportedly destroyed expansion land. similar situation was experienced an increase 12.79% land-area used agriculture has recorded past 40 years. being fragile, 62% area under intensive practice. Land-use spatial relationships perspective conservation Great genetic diversity crops trees small watershed. Conservation ethics optimum utilization/production resources, following traditional practices without much degrading which believed to be sustainable, practised earlier But recently, due population pressure fragmentation farm-owning families, balance utilization, conservation, become perturbed. Examples adaptation, indigenous knowledge, perception amongst also