Banni Experience: Conservation, Community, and Gender Crossroads

Communities in the Banni grasslands of Gujarat, India, still rely solely on their natural surroundings for their social and economic security. Banni grasslands are a pristine ecosystem situated in the Kutch (also known as Kachchh) district of Gujarat, home to rich biodiversity and more than 20 ethnic communities. As these grasslands have witnessed degradation over the decades, the impact is high due to limited resources, climate change, and water scarcity. For conserving these, especially in the context of desertification, community perceptions, their attitudes, level of involvement, and their traditional knowledge play an important role. This research paper aims to investigate how the degradation of Banni is socially constructed, interpreted, and challenged by the community. Also, this paper critically evaluates the role of women in conserving the Banni, including the social position and the geography of women's vulnerability. This paper employs a mixed-methods approach; qualitative data were gathered using semi-structured and in-depth interviews and analysed inductively to identify themes. Quantitative data were collected through a semi-structured interview schedule, and a deductive approach was used to test the hypothesis. Based on the findings, this study proposes integrating the Banni Conservation Principles framework to support effective community-based resource management in Banni.