Abstract

Mountain-closure is a tradition practiced in different regions of Bhutan to propitiate the mountain deity and to safeguard crops. It is believed to have ecological effects, and has been represented as a traditional form of conservation. It effectively functioned as a way to manage resources within a community and between different communities, and is embedded in agricultural and migratory herding cycles. As a social institution it is believed to ensure community wellbeing and effectively maintains rights over natural resources.

In this session I present a thesis chapter-in-progress. After situating the chapter within the body of my thesis, I discuss empirical findings on community mountain-closure practice in Bhutan from a political ecology perspective. I then reflect on elements which emerged from this research process which could be broadly grouped under themes of translation and of ‘hybridising’ knowledges.