Women as Drivers of Environmental Action in the Himalayan Region for Sustainable Development: A Case Study on Uttarakhand

Abstract

Women in the Himalayan region are key drivers of environmental action, combining traditional knowledge with adaptive practices to promote sustainable development amid growing ecological challenges. This case study highlights their roles in resource conservation, community initiatives, and resilience in vulnerable mountain ecosystems, particularly in Himalaya regions of Uttarakhand. The findings reveal how women's contributions to forest regeneration, water management, and biodiversity preservation intersect with their specific workloads and empowerment efforts. Initiatives such as tree-planting campaigns, restrictions on forest overexploitation, and the cultivation of organic foods not only rejuvenate ecosystems but also enhance livelihoods. Despite facing challenges such as migration pressures and policy neglect, these women embody eco-feminism, advocating for gender-responsive strategies. The research stresses the importance of recognizing women's stewardship in policy frameworks to achieve long-term sustainability in the Himalayas, where environmental health and gender equity are closely linked.