Gender roles and practices in ecological conservation and restoration

Gender issues are deeply linked with ecological conservation and restoration. The international community has recognized the importance of women in promoting harmonious coexistence between people and nature; however, women's participation in ecological conservation in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, where patriarchy is prevalent, has not yet reached the level that affects decision- and policy-making. The contribution of women to ecological conservation and restoration has gone unnoticed, and, consequently, steps should be taken to improve their status, provide them with a platform to express their ideas and offer them more important positions. This chapter describes: (i) gender inequalities in the HKH and suggestions on how to mitigate them; and (ii) the importance of women in ecological conservation, livelihoods and carbon management.