Mobile Pastoralists Are Not Just Victims But Also A Strong Ally Regarding Climate Change Adaptation
Mobile pastoralists, such as the Sarıkeçili of Turkey, demonstrate significant resilience and adaptability to climate change through their mobility, use of local breeds, and communal land management. Their traditional practices support biodiversity and sustainable resource use, making them key allies in climate adaptation efforts.
This spring, we are accompanying the Bacak family of Sarıkeçili nomadic pastoralists in Turkey during their hundreds of kilometres of spring migration from their wintering site on the shores of the Mediterranean to their summering sites in Central Anatolia, beyond the Taurus Mountains. Their journey highlights various dimensions of mobile pastoralism as a biodiversity and climate-friendly cultural practice. We are excited to share our in-situ observations day by day, each focusing on a particular aspect of mobile pastoralism.
Pastoralist communities, far from being mere victims of climate change, are strong allies in adaptation efforts. Their reliance on local breeds, mobility, and common property regimes endows them with resilience and adaptability to changing climatic conditions. Mobility and communal land management are key factors contributing to the adaptation capacity of mobile pastoralists. These elements provide access to a diverse pool of natural resources, not confined to private lands. As a result, grazing resources can be optimized both in terms of quality and quantity, ensuring that no grass is left ungrazed even in exceptionally productive years. This flexibility is crucial in the face of climate variability, allowing pastoralists to cope with changes in resource availability.
Disrupting mobility would have severe consequences, leading to a loss of resilience and exacerbating vulnerability to climate change impacts. Indigenous breeds also play a critical role, as they are uniquely adapted to local environments and production practices. Efforts to introduce “improved” breeds that cannot withstand the local conditions are counterproductive and undermine the resilience of pastoralist communities. Recognizing the adaptive strategies of mobile pastoralists and supporting their traditional practices is essential for effective climate change adaptation. By leveraging their knowledge and expertise, pastoralist communities can continue to thrive in the face of environmental challenges while contributing to broader adaptation efforts.
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