The Great Himalayan National Park’s (GHNP’s) management plan is based on a livelihood approach. Conservation of the area is possible only with the active support of local communities, and requires an understanding of the poorest inhabitants’ livelihoods, which have historically depended upon the park’s resources.
A villager making bamboo basket – Kilta ( Click to enlarge)
Before the parks creation, the villagers’ were dependent upon the GHNP area for sheep, goat and cattle grazing, as well as the collection of minor forest produce. An estimated 35,000 sheep and goats grazed in the park during the summer and around 2,500 people used to collect medicinal herb and mushroom, each year.
Traditional watermill – Gharat ( Click to enlarge)
Traditional architecture of Kullu region – Wood and stone structures ( Click to enlarge)