Negotiating Forest Rights Debates: A Game Theoretic Analysis of Stakeholder Behaviour in the Western Himalayas

This study employs cooperative, behavioural, and experimental game theory to examine how forest rights are negotiated among tribal communities, government agencies, and civil society organisations in the western Himalayas. It explores how claims over access, governance, and benefit-sharing regarding forest resources are asserted, contested, and mediated in a complex socio-political environment. This research adopts a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data from structured surveys and field-based experiments. The findings underscore the importance of integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern development policies. This study emphasises the need for sustainable and inclusive strategies that protect both the environment and local livelihoods.