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Surkhet, 16th March 2025 – A discussion program was organized by DPNet Karnali Province in coordination with Guras Rural Municipality, with support from AEIN and SOSEC Nepal, to address the growing challenges faced by Nepal’s last nomadic tribe, the Raute. This indigenous community, which has lived in the forests of mid- and far-western Nepal for generations, is now at risk due to climate change, environmental degradation, and modernization pressures. The program brought together key stakeholders, including Social Development Minister of Karnali Province, Ghanshyam Bhandari, and Advocate Dr. Raju Thapa, who presented research on the impacts of rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and wildfires on the Raute’s traditional way of life.

The discussion highlighted the Raute’s unique customs, such as their nomadic lifestyle, strict marriage traditions, resistance to modern medical practices, and belief that counting their population brings misfortune. While these cultural norms have long preserved their identity, they have also posed challenges for external interventions aimed at improving their health and education. The program also explored the increasing influence of modernization on the Raute, particularly among younger members, who have begun to accept money sometimes using it for alcohol and tobacco raising concerns about their long-term well-being.

Speakers emphasized that climate change is drastically affecting the Raute’s access to food and medicinal plants, as deforestation, unpredictable weather patterns, and rising temperatures disrupt their traditional foraging practices. Participants discussed potential solutions, including the establishment of a Raute Corridor to protect their migratory routes, mobile education and health initiatives, and structured cultural tourism to support their livelihoods without compromising their identity. Additionally, there was a strong call for implementing early warning systems for natural disasters and improving forest management practices.

The event concluded with a collective agreement on the need for long-term, respectful engagement with the Raute, ensuring their survival while preserving their cultural heritage. Stakeholders stressed that rather than forcing integration, efforts should focus on empowering the Raute with knowledge and resources to adapt to a changing world while maintaining their autonomy.

Details of the program:

Background

Surkhet, 16th March 2025 – A discussion program was organized by DPNet Karnali Province in coordination with Guras Rural Municipality, with support from AEIN and SOSEC Nepal, to address the growing challenges faced by Nepal’s last nomadic tribe, the Raute. The focus of this event was to examine the urgent challenges confronting Nepal’s last nomadic tribe, the Raute community. For generations, the Raute have maintained a nomadic existence in the forests of mid- and far-western Nepal, drawing upon the abundant resources offered by their forested environment. However, these indigenous custodians of the woodland face a rapidly changing reality marked by climate change, environmental pressures, and expanding modernization. The event was chaired by Hira Singh Thapa, with Ghanshyam Bhandari, the Social Development Minister of Karnali Province, serving as the Chief Guest. At the core of the proceedings, Advocate Dr. Raju Thapa presented research findings on the insightful ways in which rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and degrading forest habitats are affecting the Raute.

A central theme of the program was the recognition that while the Raute have been resistant to adopting modern amenities, their own survival is growing tenuous in the face of external pressures. Historically, the Raute avoided settled areas in order to preserve their cultural identity, which includes distinct marital customs, spiritual beliefs, and taboos regarding population counts. As climate change intensifies, local officials, nongovernmental organizations, and Raute representatives gathered at this event to identify actionable strategies that could ensure the Raute’s continued existence. Participants discussed the delicate balance between preserving the Raute’s ancestral traditions and introducing essential changes, such as healthcare and minimal forms of education, to address the threats that the Raute now face.

Presentation on the Introduction to the Raute Community and the Impact of Climate Change

Legends, oral narratives, and folklore point to a prince named Tele Shahi who supposedly abandoned palace life after a dispute with his brothers, venturing into the forest in search of an autonomous existence. Over time, three sub-groups, Raskati, Kalyal, and Sobamsi are said to have followed Tele Shahi. Although historians maintain various theories regarding their origins, the Raute themselves hold this account dear, recounting it from generation to generation. Their story highlights not only their desire for independence from palace intrigue but also a thoughtful unity with nature that they have carried through the centuries.

The Raute have traditionally inhabited forested areas without ever establishing permanent settlements. Their dependence on forest resources is absolute, encompassing food, construction materials for shelter, and medicinal needs. Local legends assert that the Raute’s migration patterns changed during Tele Shahi’s era, particularly regarding the custom of leaving a campsite permanently when a death occurs. Even now, the Raute relocate whenever they lose a community member, viewing the place of death as inauspicious for a fixed period of twelve years. This migratory tradition has enabled them to avoid overexploitation of a particular stretch of forest, while also limiting their contact with outsiders.

An aspect of Raute culture that has consistently intrigued observers is their aversion to machine-stitched clothing and their deep belief in the purity of natural water sources. Presenter in the event pointed out that the Raute generally deem piped or processed water to be contaminated. In their lifestyle, men and women share certain egalitarian norms that include the absence of restrictions for menstruating or pregnant women, a stance that contrasts with practices prevalent in some other Nepalese communities. Similarly, the Raute forbid counting their population, believing that enumeration invites disaster and declining numbers. Combined with their reluctance to use modern communications devices, this makes it challenging for external agencies to ascertain accurate demographic data about them.

The Raute also have stringent rules regarding marriage. Community members are only allowed to marry within their particular group, and any relationships beyond the Raute are strictly disallowed. Boys must be at least fifteen years old, while girls must have reached menarche before marriage can occur. After marriage, the newly wed couple often establishes a separate shelter within the Raute’s forest settlement, distancing themselves from other married couples. Widows and widowers do not remarry, reinforcing the internal cohesion and distinctive norms that define the group’s identity. These rules are part of an intricate cultural tapestry meant to protect the Raute’s sense of heritage.

 

Observations on Modern Influences and Educational Initiatives

Speakers noted that the Raute, once adamant in rejecting modern artifacts, have begun interacting more often with outsiders. Some younger Raute accept money as a means to purchase goods, including alcohol and tobacco, which worries observers. Participants raised questions about whether reliance on money would undermine the Raute’s traditional bartering system, in which they historically exchanged forest-made goods, such as carved wooden utensils, for staple items from nearby communities. While the older Raute often display reluctance toward adopting new practices, younger members sometimes show curiosity about external influences, creating a generational divide that the event’s participants identified as a critical area for future study.

In recent years, certain initiatives have sought to teach Raute children basic literacy and hygiene. One example is the mobile school approach, where teachers, assisted by health workers, move with the Raute as they migrate to new forest locations. This flexible model seeks to accommodate the Raute’s itinerant lifestyle while offering them essential educational exposure. However, organizing a curriculum, delivering consistent lessons, and earning the trust of Raute families all remain major challenges. Cultural norms forbid the enumeration of children, and the Raute are not fully convinced of the merits of formal schooling. Consequently, teachers must learn how to bridge cultural and linguistic barriers without imposing an external system that the Raute might consider intrusive.

Several participants pointed to potential benefits in promoting Raute handicrafts through specialized markets or tourism channels. Given the intricate woodwork that Raute artisans produce without modern tools, some believe that the sale of these items could become a sustainable revenue source if carefully managed. Yet this approach carries risks. If mass demand leads to commodification, the Raute could face pressure to commercialize their cultural expressions, undermining the authenticity they have long guarded. Such trade-offs between financial gain and cultural preservation animated conversations at the event, underscoring the complexity of helping the Raute adapt to changes without losing what defines them.

 

 

Impact of Climate Change on Raute Livelihoods

A central presentation by Advocate Dr. Raju Thapa highlighted the dangers climate change poses to the Raute. Their reliance on forests for everything from nutrition to shelter places them at the frontline of environmental disruptions. Speakers emphasized that wildfires, often sparked by rising temperatures and prolonged dry periods, have become more frequent. This leads to the destruction of essential plants, such as wild roots and fruits that the Raute gather. The dwindling availability of herbal medicines used for common ailments also heightens health risks for a community that does not typically rely on modern medical facilities. Further complicating the situation is the outbreak of pests and insects that thrive in warmer conditions. Without modern pest control measures, the Raute can do little to protect their camps from damage.

Shifts in rainfall patterns exacerbate these problems. Extended droughts lead to water scarcity, an acute challenge for those who rely exclusively on unadulterated water sources in the forests. Heavy and unpredictable rainstorms, meanwhile, can wash away foraging spots or increase the risk of landslides in mountainous regions. The Raute’s traditional coping mechanisms, such as migrating to nearby forests when resources in one area become exhausted, become less effective when ecosystems across broad geographic areas are under similar pressures. Climate impacts thus have a compounding effect, striking the Raute from multiple angles at once.

Another significant point raised was the diminishing variety of fauna that share the forests with the Raute. Reports indicate that monkeys, often seen near Raute camps, are in decline in some areas due to habitat loss and other anthropogenic factors. Although fewer monkeys might reduce competition for certain forest foods, it also signals broader ecological imbalance. A more degraded ecosystem may not be able to support the Raute’s diet, nor will it maintain the same medicinal plants on which the Raute depend. Attendees suggested that a major task moving forward will be to ensure sustainable forest management practices that take into account the Raute’s specific interactions with the environment.

Challenges Facing the Raute Community

Health problems stood out as a pressing issue, especially given the prevalence of alcohol and tobacco use among Raute members of all ages. Without formal oversight or a local healthcare infrastructure, the Raute risk succumbing to diseases that could otherwise be prevented or managed through timely intervention. Many at the event noted that the Raute do not accept regular medical treatments, immunizations, or family planning services, leaving them especially vulnerable to infections and high birth-related risks. These vulnerabilities become more pronounced when combined with declining forest resources, making an already precarious life even more uncertain. However SOSEC has been doing best to provide them basic medical facility.

The Raute also face challenges arising from interactions with external groups. Some local residents worry that competition for forest products will intensify if the Raute pass through their locality. Others try to exploit the Raute’s unfamiliarity with modern economic transactions, deceiving them into deals in which the Raute receive negligible compensation for their labor. Such situations foster mistrust and potential conflict, complicating efforts by authorities and NGOs to build constructive relationships that benefit both sides. While contact with outsiders can yield beneficial exchanges, such as the bartering of wooden utensils for grains, it is also fraught with opportunities for misunderstanding and exploitation.

Internal stresses exist as well, particularly concerning leadership roles in the community and the psychological toll of frequent relocations. The Raute’s tradition of moving whenever a death occurs can be difficult to maintain in regions already under pressure from deforestation. Anecdotal observations point to decreasing Raute numbers. Whether this is due to health issues, increasing influence of external communities, or climate-induced challenges is difficult to establish given the Raute’s prohibition against population counts. Nevertheless, many participants at the event expressed grave concern that without immediate and carefully planned intervention, the Raute’s existence is in jeopardy.

Proposed Solutions: The Raute Corridor and Targeted Interventions

Participants discussed the concept of creating a Raute Corridor, a designated area or network of routes that would allow the Raute to continue their migratory patterns without obstruction. A corridor could demarcate regions within which they can forage, rest, and maintain their unique traditions. It would need to be managed collaboratively by local governments, forest authorities, and representatives from both the Raute and neighboring communities. The approach would emphasize minimal encroachment on Raute autonomy while providing a controlled environment that guards against land conflicts and environmental degradation. Speakers also suggested that crucial services like mobile health clinics could be integrated within corridor boundaries, allowing for discreet interventions such as disease prevention and emergency care.

In addressing the influence of climate change, event participants highlighted the need for better environmental data and forecasting. Early warning systems could alert the Raute about impending wildfires or flash floods, although applying such technology to a nomadic population poses its own challenges. Some recommended that younger Raute be encouraged to learn basic forest management skills, including controlling small fires or identifying pest infestations early. This knowledge-sharing would ideally involve both the elders, who have centuries of accumulated wisdom about the forests, and external environmental experts, thus blending traditional and modern expertise.

Another proposed intervention was controlled cultural tourism. Proponents argued that visitors interested in learning about the Raute could pay for carefully arranged experiences, generating funds that might strengthen educational programs or health initiatives. Opponents cautioned that tourism risks commodifying the Raute’s way of life and eroding the group’s privacy. A recurring sentiment was that any tourism-related activity must be approached with care, ensuring that the Raute themselves lead decisions on how their culture is presented and how any revenue is shared among them.

Questions and Answer Session

The discussion program included a question and answer segment during which attendees contributed additional insights. Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, IPP of DPNet shared that Raute are the most valuable ornament of Nepal and we strengthen

One speaker, Dr. Hari Prasad Sharma from Janasewa Mancha, described how large fires reduce the availability of edible roots, such as Kadamul, while also diminishing essential herbal plants the Raute rely on. He suggested that providing stronger tents might help the Raute avoid certain environmental extremes. Another speaker, Krishna Raj Dhamala of PACE Nepal, noted that the Raute, once unreceptive to money, now ask for it, frequently in order to buy alcohol, which raises concerns about cultural erosion and rising substance use. He proposed that tourism might serve as a balancing act if developed responsibly.

Raj Bahadur Rokaya, from Jumla, reiterated the importance of constructing the Raute Corridor to safeguard both forest resources and the Raute’s future. He questioned whether the Raute should be transformed into settled citizens or left to continue their migratory lives. The event’s participants widely recognized the need to strike a compromise between tradition and the realities of a changing climate. Meanwhile, Lila Ram Subedi, representing Karnali Province, reflected on how much the Raute have evolved since the last half-century. He highlighted the urgent need to safeguard their cultural language and traditions, which risk fading as their population shrinks.

Ramesh Giri from the Ministry of Environment in Karnali Province highlighted that many of the Raute’s chosen sites are not hazard-free. He pointed to coniferous forests susceptible to intense fires and hillsides prone to landslides, both exacerbated by extreme weather events. A comprehensive risk analysis would be needed, incorporating the Raute’s historical knowledge about safe camping spots while also factoring in modern climate data. Elsewhere, Min Bahadur Oli of Salyan, with more than four decades of firsthand encounters with the Raute, advocated for campaigns to address alcoholism and tobacco use, thus improving the Raute’s health standing before it becomes irreversibly dire.

Several other participants elaborated on the critical need for coordinated interventions across provincial boundaries. Funding shortfalls were mentioned, given that international aid resources can fluctuate, and the Raute’s issues may not always top funding priorities. Anthropological perspectives also surfaced, such as the suggestion by Prof. Dhirendra Man Thapa that studying Raute DNA might yield new information on how they have adapted over centuries to forest living and whether those genetic adaptations remain resilient in a changing climate. One of the few Raute participants present, Deepak Shahi, expressed gratitude on behalf of his community to organizations like SOSEC that have consistently aided them.

Closing Remarks and Conclusion

Chief Guest Ghanshyam Bhandari, Social Development Minister of Karnali Province, closed the formal discussions by posing difficult questions about whether modernization assists or destroys the Raute. He recalled that government stipends and allowances intended to support the Raute have sometimes discouraged them from continuing their handicrafts, hastening cultural decline. If substance abuse has increased because money is easier to obtain, everyone involved must acknowledge their part in encouraging this shift. Bhandari supported a ban on alcohol sales to the Raute and recommended that external bodies place greater emphasis on preserving the Raute’s language, handicrafts, and intangible heritage. He urged participants to see the Raute not merely as objects of charity but as an invaluable cultural resource for the country.

Chairperson Hira Singh Thapa from SOSCI offered closing remarks of thanks, highlighting that many individuals, from government officials to independent volunteers, have quietly devoted time and resources to the Raute’s welfare. He noted that Professor Dr. Bidhayanath Koirala joined the event specifically to explore collaborations aimed at furthering Raute education. Thapa provided an update on the Mobile Raute Project, staffed by teachers and health workers who follow the Raute to offer rudimentary literacy and medical aid. He proposed that local governments and the Ministry of Forests support reforestation in areas abandoned by the Raute, so that future migratory patterns remain viable. Thapa also touched on the necessity of maintaining a police presence near Raute encampments, explaining that such arrangements can protect the Raute from unwanted intrusions, including the sale of harmful substances. However, he insisted that policing must never infringe on Raute autonomy or subject them to harassment. Observing that the Raute’s reticence to engage with outside society complicates all efforts, Thapa recognized that SOSEC’s inclusive approach has made some headway. He closed with an appeal for the provision of adequate medicines, a pressing concern given climate-induced ailments and the Raute’s reluctance to adopt regular health services.

Moving Forward: Recommendations and Future Prospects

Many attendees spoke of the urgent need for follow-up actions to ensure that the Raute community does not slip through the cracks of policy inattention. Several specific recommendations emerged. One was to pursue the Raute Corridor idea more formally, working in close partnership with local communities along potential routes to reduce conflict. Another was to promote small-scale tourism that respects Raute privacy and fosters their cultural expressions. Additionally, campaigns aimed at addressing excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco among the Raute were seen as essential, though difficult to implement given the Raute’s mobility and their past avoidance of external health advice.

Government agencies, such as the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Social Development, were urged to develop risk analyses that take into account climate projections and topographical data in the region. NGOs and civil society actors emphasized the necessity of forging deeper trust with the Raute so that interventions in healthcare or education were received as supportive rather than coercive. Participants also stressed the importance of ensuring that local governments establish a formal consensus on how to interact with the Raute, to avoid inconsistent approaches that might push them away.

Ultimately, the event concluded on a note of cautious optimism. There was universal agreement that doing nothing and allowing the Raute to perish is inconceivable. The discussions organized by DPNet Karnali Province, in coordination with Surkhet Rural Municipality, with support from AEIN and SOSEC Nepal, successfully brought together multiple stakeholders to share experiences, research, and insights. Though the obstacles are considerable, from climate extremes to the Raute’s cultural norms, every speaker affirmed the need to preserve this remarkable community.

The path forward requires thoughtful, sustained engagement that respects Raute self-determination. Whether it involves establishing a corridor, refining mobile education initiatives, controlling the sale of harmful substances, or creating early warning systems for wildfires, the guiding principle must remain empathetic and inclusive. The Raute, who have traversed the jungles of Nepal for generations, are living archives of knowledge about the region’s flora, fauna, and survival strategies. By working collaboratively, local and provincial governments, NGOs, development partners, and Raute leaders themselves can ensure that this treasured community does not simply survive, but also maintains the dignity and identity that have defined them for centuries