In the isolated and weathered Miyard Valley, nestled within Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul district, Daechen Chodden stands out not only as a woman of the land but also as an inspiring leader in the fight for sustainable living. Known as the “Berry Queen” of Miyard Valley, Daechen embodies resilience, commitment, and a profound respect for nature that guides her efforts. Against the harsh backdrop of climate change, Daechen’s work with the sea-buckthorn (SBT) berry is a shining example of how women in remote communities can drive impactful environmental change.
Nurturing resilience from childhood
Daechen’s relationship with the environment began at a young age, when she would gather sea-buckthorn berries with other children. What began as a simple chore evolved into a lifelong passion and career. Unlike many in her family who left for better job prospects in Kullu, she chose to remain in the valley. Determined to protect and utilise its natural resources sustainably, she opposed her father’s plans to cut down the berry bushes, recognising their value as a unique resource and a path towards economic empowerment.
Today, Daechen leads a collective of women from Tingret village who harvest the SBT berries with dedication and care. Known for their high nutritional value, these berries have not only provided a source of livelihood but have also given the community a sense of pride and identity. Through meticulous labour, they gather between one and two quintals of berries each season. This physically demanding process, hindered by the plant’s sharp thorns, is a testament to the community’s resilience and Daechen’s vision.
Daechen was among the first in Miyard Valley to explore the commercial potential of sea-buckthorn. She began developing products from the berries, including dried powder, jam, tea, and squash. The demand for these natural products quickly grew, encouraging other women in the village to follow her lead. As a result, they began cultivating sea-buckthorn on their own farms, significantly enhancing local income. Daechen’s entrepreneurial initiative has had a transformative impact, offering the women of Tingret village both economic opportunities and a path toward self-sufficiency.
Her influence has brought about a gradual shift in the local community’s view of economic activity and environmental conservation, sparking a movement where women, traditionally bound to the household, are now central to economic and environmental initiatives. This shift signifies more than just economic growth; it is also empowering the women of the valley to redefine their roles in society and take ownership of their environment.
Balancing tradition and change
The role of women in Lahaul’s rigid labour structures has long been defined by both physical labour and domestic responsibilities. In Daechen’s generation, women rarely had access to education, with many lacking the resources or proximity to schools. Yet, Daechen’s journey represents the bridge between old and new as she continues to carry out traditional tasks on the land while pioneering new ventures.
Her words underscore this generational transformation: “My generation is the last which couldn’t study due to poverty. Now, educated community members are migrating to cities, but many women remain embedded in their traditional roles.” Even as some women venture into careers beyond agriculture, Daechen remains deeply rooted in her ancestral land, honouring the natural heritage that sustains her people.
The impacts of climate change are visible across the Miyard Valley, where once-reliable snowfall has become erratic, and warmer temperatures are disrupting local ecosystems. Traditionally, the valley’s people depended on predictable weather for agriculture and resource management. Today, warming temperatures have allowed for the cultivation of crops like kidney beans, which were previously unsuited to the valley’s climate. But this shift also spells challenges, as melting glaciers threaten to reduce the water supply essential for both households and farms.
In the face of these environmental threats, Daechen and her community have proactively adopted sustainable practices. Through women-led groups like the Mahila Mandals, the community has taken charge of conserving their forests under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). These initiatives have given local women a strong voice in forest management, as they enforce sustainable practices and impose fines for illegal deforestation.
Together, they have created a system for controlled wood collection to minimise damage to forest ecosystems, ensuring that resources are available for future generations. Daechen’s work within these Mahila Mandals demonstrates the potential for grassroots conservation efforts led by women, proving that local communities hold the key to effective environmental stewardship.
In a region where traditional knowledge has been the cornerstone of survival, technology is now providing new opportunities for environmental resilience. Daechen has embraced simple yet effective methods, like using umbrellas during the thorny sea-buckthorn harvest, to improve efficiency. Moving forward, technology could further strengthen these communities by providing climate-resilient crops, advanced agricultural tools, and digital marketplaces for selling their products.
The potential of digital tools goes beyond economic gains; it can empower these women to take on leadership roles in climate action. Mobile platforms can disseminate climate education and promote sustainable practices, creating a network of knowledge-sharing that extends far beyond the valley. For Daechen, technology is more than a tool—it’s a bridge to a sustainable future, enabling the women of Miyard Valley to manage their natural resources with modern resilience.
Tourism as an emerging opportunity and challenge
As infrastructure improves in the region, tourism is gradually making its way to Miyard Valley. Daechen sees this development as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, tourism could provide much-needed income for the elderly and those unable to work the land, offering a new source of livelihood through homestays and cultural experiences. On the other hand, Daechen is keenly aware of the potential harm tourism might inflict on the valley’s fragile environment.
Her vision for Miyard Valley is one where tourism is rooted in respect for nature. She hopes that visitors will bring fresh perspectives and ideas without compromising the delicate ecosystem that sustains her community. Daechen’s cautious optimism highlights her commitment to balancing economic development with environmental preservation, ensuring that the valley’s natural beauty is safeguarded for future generations.
A symbol of environmental leadership
Daechen’s journey reflects the profound strength of women in remote, climate-vulnerable areas who are rising to meet the challenges of a changing world. Her story underscores a reality faced by countless women worldwide, who, according to UNICEF, bear a disproportionate burden from climate change. Yet, as Daechen demonstrates, these women are not merely victims; they are powerful agents of change, utilising their knowledge and community networks to foster resilience.
Her work is a testament to how traditional wisdom and modern approaches can converge to create sustainable, localised solutions. The climate crisis demands more than global policies—it requires the wisdom and stewardship of those who know the land best. As Miyard Valley adapts to its changing environment, Daechen’s efforts are a guiding light, showing that true environmental leadership often emerges from the grassroots.
In Daechen’s story, we find hope and inspiration. Her enduring commitment to Miyard Valley is a call to action, reminding us that the women who nurture the land are its strongest protectors. Through collective action, technological innovation, and a shared vision for sustainability, they are weaving a future where economic empowerment and environmental conservation go hand in hand. As the Berry Queen of Miyard Valley, Daechen Chodden embodies the courage, dedication, and resilience that are essential to the world’s response to climate change. Her legacy will live on in the berry bushes of Miyard and in the hearts of the women she has empowered to follow in her footsteps.
