Nepal, Bhutan and India yak herders forming joint regional network

Yak and chauri (yak-cattle hybrid) herders from Nepal, Bhutan and India are set to formally launch a joint Himalayan yak herders' regional network, to be unveiled at the ninth Royal Highland Festival in Bhutan.

According to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), this is the first regional platform focused solely on the Himalaya's yak herders. ICIMOD says the network grew out of nearly a decade of collaboration between farmers, governments and development partners, as climate change, degraded grazing land and migration increasingly challenge mountain communities.

The network's main objectives are collective advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building and stronger mutual cooperation. Modeled on the World Reindeer Herders' Association, which is established and run by herders themselves, the new network will likewise be led by Himalayan yak herders. ICIMOD said the King and Prime Minister of Bhutan are expected to attend the festival.