Pastoralists from all over India have started assembling here in the south Indian metropolis of Hyderabad to make their voices heard and get their contribution to biodiversity conservation recognised during the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).They are especially concerned about the problems they encounter in getting their forest rights recognised. A statement signed onto by many of these groups can be downloaded here.
In a special side-event organised by LPP and the LIFE Network to be held on 12th October, pastoralists and supporting researchers will present new results about the way livestock keepers utilize bio-diverse vegetation to contribute to food security, especially of the poor. The side-event is entitled Caravans of Biodiversity and will take place in the lunch break.