Resilience and harmony vs challenges
Amidst the rugged expanse of the Tsum Valley, where the ancient mountains embraced the sky, a journey of discovery and wonder unfolded. Our official program led us to this hidden sanctuary, a place where the land whispered secrets of serenity, and nature painted its most vivid hues. As we ventured into the heart of Tsum, the landscape revealed its treasures—a rich tapestry of wildlife and vegetation, each thread woven by time and nature’s hand. Among the enchanting array of creatures, the Snow leopard prowled with graceful majesty, its spotted coat a testament to survival against all odds. Musk deer and Himalayan Thar roamed freely, while the Blue sheep adorned the steep cliffs with their agile presence.
Overhead, the skies wore a canvas of avian brilliance, with over 110 species of birds weaving melodies through the air. Butterflies danced on the breeze, and hidden among the rocks were the secretive reptiles, their existence as ancient as the hills themselves. Yet, the valley’s wonders were not limited to its inhabitants alone. A symphony of plants flourished, a testament to nature’s artistry. With approximately 2000 species of plants, the landscape was alive with color and purpose. From the wise Yarchagumba that crowned the alpine meadows, its aphrodisiac allure a legend whispered among the winds, to the humble medicinal herbs like kutkee and Chiretta, the valley’s embrace was one of healing and growth.
Tsum’s rhythm of life resonated in cycles of agriculture and herding, a harmonious dance with nature’s heartbeat. Fields of wheat swayed in the breeze, an offering of sustenance nurtured by the hands of generations. Buckwheat and oilseeds followed in its footsteps, and the sun kissed the land, vegetables and fruits unfurled their vibrant colors, a promise of nourishment.
Yet, challenges lingered like shadows. Climate change, like a silent specter, tested the valley’s resilience. Delayed rainfall and prolonged droughts bore witness to a changing world, altering the pulse of life that has sustained this place for eons. As the snowline shifted and pests increased their presence, the people of Tsum found themselves adapting, searching for balance. Amidst the challenges, a spirit of preservation bloomed. The valley’s strength lay not only in its natural beauty but in the hearts of its people too. A community bound by Tibetan heritage, their dialect spoke of a lineage that has weathered time’s storms. Trails adorned with Chortens and Mani walls whispered of faith and devotion. And amidst it all, a determination to safeguard their culture, to protect the land that cradled them.
In this tale of resilience, a narrative of change and continuity intertwined, as the Tsum people faced each sunrise with courage. They collected Yarchagumba, not just as a source of income but as a thread that connected them to their roots. Ecotourism emerged as a beacon of hope, empowering the youth with skills to bridge traditions and modernity.
Through the lens of their journey, the Tsum valley illuminated the fragile balance between man and nature. Challenges, like clouds, will come and go, but the valley’s heart will beat on, echoing the spirit of adaptation, the melody of resilience, and the symphony of life living in harmony with the Earth.
The author is a graduated agriculturist from TU currently working at Forest Action Nepal as researcher
