In the high-altitude rangelands of Ladakh, pastoralist communities have long adapted to shifting socio-ecological conditions and a changing climate. These landscapes are shaped not only by ecological processes but also by the lived experiences, practices, and knowledge systems of the communities who inhabit them. Rooted in the recognition of deep interconnections between land, habitats, and human and non-human communities, the GRAZIER initiative seeks to strengthen ecosystemic resilience and wellbeing by advancing epistemic justice and rights-based conservation. Adopting an experimental and intersectional socio-ecological approach, the initiative seeks to challenge conventional dichotomies such as nature-culture, science-society, and research-praxis. 

By integrating diverse knowledge systems, facilitating innovation and experimentation, and supporting platforms for sharing both learnings and ‘unlearnings’, the initiative promotes dynamic, adaptive perspectives on pastoralism and its relationships with rangeland health and biodiversity. At its core, the initiative is committed to centering the voices of marginalised communities and groups–particularly women and youth–and to recognising pastoralism as a dynamic, evolving way of life, not merely a tradition to be preserved or a problem to be fixed.

GRAZIER is a collaborative effort between ATREE, Achi Association India, the French National Institute of Sustainable Development (IRD), the University of Massachusetts Amherst. ATREE also holds an MoU with Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh, and the University of Ladakh for joint research in support of the initiative.

Key components of GRAZIER

• Co-definition of research and action priorities aligned with local needs and aspirations
• Co-creation of a Memory Archive and Shepherd ‘School’ to democratise and decolonise knowledge production and learning
• Public engagement through talks, exhibits, and various outputs at the science-art interface
• Revitalisation of livelihoods through experimentations that address systemic challenges and unlock new possibilities
• Biocultural restoration through the revival of traditional structures and governance systems
• Strengthening of community agency and voice by supporting solidarity networks and local leadership
• Development of long-term socio-ecological monitoring protocols to inform adaptive and inclusive conservation

We think of GRAZIER as a pathway to reimagine conservation and development from the ground up, where the goal is not to deliver solutions, but to nurture processes of collective becoming in one of the most ecologically and culturally vibrant landscapes in the world. Our current focus is on deep, sustained work in Kargyam valley (Changthang) and Phey (Leh district), with plans to achieve scale through collaborations with educational institutions across the landscape. In the coming years, we also hope to expand our efforts to the Suru valley in Kargil district. 

Visitors are welcome to schedule a visit to Palay House, Phey, Ladakh – restored and managed by our collaborator Achi Association India. For further queries, please email: saloni.bhatia@atree.org 

Donors include Rural India Supporting Trust (AMP-Himalaya Project) and IRD