Shahid Saleem Gujjer Pathan

Shahid Saleem is a researcher, storyteller, and founder of the Himalayan Pastoral Trust, belonging to the nomadic Gujjar-Bakerwal tribe of Jammu & Kashmir. His work bridges indigenous ecological knowledge with scientific research to address climate challenges in fragile mountain ecosystems. With eight published papers on transhumant pastoralism, climate vulnerability, and adaptation practices, he brings both academic depth and lived experience to his work. Through initiatives like *Grasslands to Classrooms* and *Alpine Pond Solution*, he focuses on education, ecosystem restoration, and preserving traditional knowledge systems.

While being an NYCC Climate Champion from Jammu and Kashmir, Shahid worked closely with transhumant pastoral communities facing water scarcity, pasture degradation, and climate variability in high-altitude regions. He engaged youth, elders, women, and herders through climate awareness sessions, community dialogues, and field demonstrations on alpine ponds and sustainable grazing practices. His approach centered on empowering pastoral youth as knowledge carriers, strengthening intergenerational learning, and promoting locally rooted, adaptive solutions.

He continues this work through the Himalayan Pastoral Trust, advancing community-led climate resilience by integrating research, restoration, and indigenous wisdom to build long-term, sustainable solutions for pastoral landscapes.