Our members

By choosing to produce combed Baby Yak Down, the members of the Cooperative have made a responsible choice, for three reasons: this safeguards their ecosystem and protects against potential natural disasters; it brings together a community of common interests for each stage of production; it has economic benefits as they decide how to use their Cooperative profits collectively and democratically, and in a transparent, fair way..

There is a long waiting list of herders who have applied to become members of the Cooperative; however the latter has chosen to expand progressively in order to retain its membership over the long term and to provide the necessary training. For every family of herders, their work is seasonal and once spring arrives their days are full and repetitive. In addition, regional herders may also face very harsh winters (around -40°C) which can decimate the baby yaks and other young animals which have not yet developed enough protection and which face a lack of food. Our members are not immune to these problems; however they are able to protect themselves more effectively through their logistical, medical and other tools. With support from the Cooperative, the herders are keen to adopt a high quality approach through a democratic decision-making process during general assemblies. This attitude can also be seen through support for the Cooperative’s diversification projects, but also through their daily lives. The members of the Cooperative are able to play the part of herders, artists and cultural communicators. Here are two examples taken from the 210 members.