Mongabay | September 29, 2025
In Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalaya, restoration practitioners were faced with several challenges, like growing land-use changes for tourism, habitat fragmentation and a narrow window for plantation. In this region, restoration is not a matter of digging pits and planting saplings. It is a deeply layered process, one that unfolds across social boundaries, cultural landscapes, steep slopes, and shifting community priorities, writes the author of this commentary. Restoration must begin with community engagement and building trust. While landowners are enthusiastic about restoration, they fear losing access to their land.
The views in this commentary are that of the author.
