Indigenous lifestyles and biodiversity conservation issues in North Sikkim

51-55Sikkim is a well known treasure trove and hotspot of biodiversity with most of its macro fauna and flora well documented over the last two centuries. The ethnic populace living in remoter areas of the state relies on an intimate knowledge of the local bio-resources for their survival in a harsh high altitude environment. Over time this has been seen as the only means of their survival. Lack of any systematic documentation in written form and reliance on oral tradition along with recent development and modernization activities is leading to irretrievable loss of this ancient wisdom. Studies of three short projects in North Sikkim to document some of the biogeographic history including some of the traditional methods of wildlife conservation and subsistence lifestyles among the truly nomadic Dokpas in the cold desert and partially trans-humant Bhutia tribals of Lachen and Lachung valleys, who practice the Dzumsa traditional system of administration were conducted. Some of the management practices now degrading rapidly were more for sustainable use than conservation per se, and thus not in harmony with the present legal systems of the state and country. It is proposed that part of this area be declared as a trans-boundary Conservation Reserve to achieve the dual objective of conservation through sustainable use and equitable sharing of both bioresources and traditional knowledge