AUTHOR=Alexander Justine Shanti , Murali Ranjini , Mijiddorj Tserennadmid Nadia , Agvaantseren Bayarjargal , Lhamo Chemi , Sharma Deepshikha , Suryawanshi Kulbhushansingh Ramesh , Zhi Lu , Sharma Koustubh , Young Juliette Claire TITLE=Applying a gender lens to biodiversity conservation in High Asia JOURNAL=Frontiers in Conservation Science VOLUME=4 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-science/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1006052 DOI=10.3389/fcosc.2023.1006052 ISSN=2673-611X ABSTRACT=

Community-based conservation efforts represent an important approach to facilitate the coexistence of people and wildlife. A concern, however, is that these efforts build on existing community structures and social norms, which are commonly dominated by men. Some biodiversity conservation approaches may consequently neglect women’s voices and deepen existing inequalities and inequities. This paper presents two community case studies that draw upon the knowledge and experience gained in our snow leopard conservation practice in pastoral and agro-pastoral settings in Mongolia and India to better understand women’s roles and responsibilities. In these settings, roles and responsibilities in livestock management and agriculture are strongly differentiated along gender lines, and significant gaps remain in women’s decision-making power about natural resources at the community level. We argue that context-specific and gender-responsive approaches are needed to build community support for conservation actions and leverage women’s potential contributions to conservation outcomes.