ACCESS4ALL Group

_{In Uttarakhand, communities have relied on traditional practices to cope with environmental challenges in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem for a long time . These practices such as spring revival, terraced farming, and mixed cropping have always been followed for a long time . Community-Based Adaptation  and Locally Led Adaptation approaches provided a framework to integrate such indigenous knowledge with modern strategies which  ensures nthat adaptation is inclusive, sustainable, and fits to the local community.}

_{Example of a Successful CBA/LLA Practice}

_{Initiative: Revival of naulas (traditional stone-lined water tanks) and dharas (community-managed water channels) in hill villages.}

_{1. Challenge Addressed the  water scarcity due to drying springs, erratic rainfall, and climate change impacts on Himalayan region .}

_{2. Local Engagement}

_{Villagers, especially women and elders, identified dried springs and led restoration efforts. NGOs facilitated training, but decision making remained remained in the hnds of community.}

_{3. Outcomes/Impacts}

_{Reliable drinking water supply was  restored which reduced burden on women who previously walked long distances for water. Improved soil moisture supported small scale farming and reduced migration pressures.}

_{4. Traditional/Indigenous Practices includes Naulas and dharas for water harvesting. Barahnaja a 12-grain mixed cropping system was used for resilient farming.Traditional houses were build  using local stone and wood for thermal regulation.}

_{5. Effectiveness Today  effective in addressing water and farming risks, though many practices are neglected. Some are being replaced by piped water schemes and monoculture farming.}

_{6. Connection to Traditions and Identity Water sources are linked to rituals and festivals which symbolize community participation. Farming systems like barahnaja reflect cultural values of diversity and resilience.}

_{7. Integration into Modern LLA Strategies}Traditional practices like reviving naulas and dharas are powerful, but modern science can strengthen them. _{. Link water user groups with district-level adaptation planning. Promote barahnaja alongside modern organic certification for market access.}

_{8. Barriers to Sustaining/Reviving Policy  mostly focus on large infrastructure projects Migration of youth reduces community participation. Generational change leading to loss of traditional knowledge.}

_{9. Example of Integration NGOs like Himmotthan Society and People’s Science Institute have integrated traditional spring revival with modern watershed management, creating resilient water systems in several districts.}

_Conclusion

_{Traditional practices in Uttarakhand such as naulas, dharas, and barahnaja remain highly relevant for climate resilience. Under the LLA framework, these can be strengthened by combining indigenous knowledge with modern science to ensure  that adaptation is community led, inclusive, and sustainable.}