Author(s):
Cyrus Samimi - University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Abstract:
This study chronicles land use practices in the Eastern Pamirs through direct field observation and mapping using satellite images and a high resolution DEM. Traditionally, the Eastern Pamirs (Tajikistan) were utilized by Kyrgyz herdsmen breeding yaks and ruminants. Adapting to the prevailing climate, herds were moved to high elevation pastures (4,000-4,800 m) in early summer and remained until September when they were moved back down to winter pastures (3,500-4,000 m). Winter fodder was grown and harvested in the lower pastures while animals grazed at higher elevation. Main grazing resources in winter are small shrubs, mainly Teresken (Ceratoides papposa). During the Soviet period, land use patterns were similar but were enhanced by the supply of winter fodder from outside the region and irrigation of winter pastureland. Additionally, the Eastern Pamirs were supplied with coal and agricultural products from elsewhere. After independence, production was privatized and product supply became subject to market conditions. Livestock pasturing is again similar to pre-soviet time and animals are owned mainly by families. According to some authors, these changes have increased degradation of regional ecosystems, especially noting Teresken as a disappearing shrub. Results of this study show a less dramatic picture: summer pastures are not over-utilized but the conditions of the winter pastures are changing because they are now also used for grazing in summer and Teresken substitutes for coal as an energy source. This causes a new conflict for local natural resources which could lead to increasing environmental degradation.
