In Gujarat’s Kachchh region, Sahjeevan has worked closely with pastoralist communities for more than three decades. Their partnership focuses on protecting the expansive Banni grasslands, securing grazing rights, and promoting sustainable animal husbandry to preserve biodiversity and culture.
- Supports rare livestock like the Banni buffalo and Kharai camel
- Builds community organizations with thousands of herders
- Advocates legal protection for grazing lands and biodiversity
What happened
Sahjeevan, a nonprofit based in Gujarat’s Kachchh district, has spent over 30 years working with pastoralist communities who roam the Banni grassland and surrounding regions. These herders move cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels across tough terrain, relying on traditional grazing practices to sustain their livelihoods and the unique ecosystem.
The organization assists these communities in securing legal grazing rights, conserving rare livestock breeds like the high-yielding Banni buffalo and the swimming-capable Kharai camel, and establishing self-sustaining economic activities. Sahjeevan also helps set up community-based groups that give herders a collective voice in managing their lands and accessing markets for dairy and wool products.
Why it feels good
Sahjeevan’s approach is grounded in the belief that communities with deep, generational knowledge of their landscapes are best positioned to protect them. By empowering pastoralists with advocacy skills, economic opportunities, and strong institutions, the organization strengthens both cultural heritage and biodiversity conservation.
Legal victories, such as removing agricultural encroachments on the Banni grassland, showcase the power of community-led stewardship. The herders’ sustainable practices help maintain one of Asia’s largest tropical grassland ecosystems, essential for wildlife and plant diversity, while also securing the future of traditional livelihoods in a rapidly changing world.
What to enjoy or watch next
Sahjeevan continues to broaden its impact beyond Kachchh, extending support to pastoralist communities in Saurashtra and other parts of India. This growing network aims to replicate successes in grazing rights advocacy, livestock conservation, and community institution building across diverse regions.
For those inspired by Sahjeevan’s work, keep an eye on emerging stories about how pastoralists are innovating within their traditional lifestyles, blending conservation with economic resilience. These narratives highlight hopeful models where human and natural systems thrive together in harmony.