Pinus gerardiana, or chilgoza pine nut, has played a significant socioeconomic role for the Kinnauri Tribal Peoples of Western Himalaya. This native species is declining, however, and as a result, so too is its role in the local culture, landscape, and economy. This paper is based on longitudinal ethnographic research conducted between 2010-2018. I discuss socio-economic and environmental changes that have been leading to the decline in chilgoza production in Kinnaur. Findings suggest several factors contributing to this decline. As the commercialisation of apple production gains prominence, the traditional collective harvesting and distribution practices of chilgoza are losing importance. Contemporary harvesting practices contribute to long-term damage of the tree and therefore decline in seed production and regeneration. Climate change and a general reduction in winter snowfall have also been diminishing production. Chilgoza decline can potentially reduce the diversification of the broader Kinnauri economy, possibly placing Kinnauris at risk, as they become dependent on a single cash crop. Here, I illustrate the story of the chilgoza pine nut of Kinnaur and explain the social and environmental factors and implications of its decline.

中文翻译：

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西喜马拉雅山奇瑙尔奇尔戈萨松果数量下降的社会经济和环境影响

gerardiana松或chilgoza松子在西喜马拉雅山的Kinnauri部落人民中发挥了重要的社会经济作用。但是，这种本地物种正在减少，因此，其在当地文化，景观和经济中的作用也正在下降。本文基于2010年至2018年之间进行的纵向民族志研究。我将讨论导致Kinnaur Chilgoza产量下降的社会经济和环境变化。研究结果表明了造成这一下降的几个因素。随着苹果生产的商业化日益突出，传统的集体收获和分发方式在奇尔戈萨州变得越来越重要。当代的采伐方式对树木造成长期损害，因此导致种子产量和再生能力下降。气候变化和冬季降雪的普遍减少也一直在减少产量。奇尔戈萨（Chilgoza）的下降可能会降低更广泛的Kinnauri经济的多样化，可能使Kinnauris处于危险之中，因为它们变得依赖单一经济作物。在这里，我阐释了Kinnaur的奇尔戈萨松子的故事，并解释了其社会和环境因素及其下降的影响。