Yaks, native to Bhutan and other Himalayan regions, play a crucial role in the livelihoods of highlanders, serving as a sources  of  milk  products,  meat, transportation,  fiber,  and  even dung  used  as  fuelwood  for  cooking.  Concerned  about  the perceived  decline  in  the  country’s  yak  population,  the  Bhutan  Yak  Federation  (BYF)  was  established  in  2019  to  support highlanders. Presently, the  BYF consists of  268 males and 203 females,  representing 1067 yak rearing households.  Its primary objectives  include  advocating  for  policy  and  investment  support  and  promoting  yak  farming  as  a  vibrant  and  sustainable enterprise.  To  gain  a  deeper  understating  of  BYF’s  roles  and  functions,  this  study  focused  on  the  Lingshi  and  Sephu  yak cooperatives under the Thimphu and Wangduephodrang districts, conducting phone interviews with 40 cooperative members. The  study  revealed  that  highlanders  primarily  generate  income  through  the  sale  of  cordyceps,  followed  by  yak  products, portering services, and medicinal plants collection. However, the  income from yak product sales is only sufficient to cover the cost of feed  resources for the yaks.  Lack of  adequate feed resources,  especially during  winter (n  =40), and wildlife  predation without compensation were identified as significant challenges faced by the herders. On average, each family loses 7 to 8 yaks annually due to wildlife predation, with additional issues of depredation by feral dogs and gid diseases in the Lingshi block. The BYF is an innovative initiative of the Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture, and Forests, aimed at empowering herder communities to shape their future. Recognizing that herders nationwide face similar drivers of change, including socio-economic factors and the impacts of climate change, the BYF emphasizes the need for collective and united action among yak herders and various stakeholders involved in highland  research  and development.  Currently, BYF is  in  the process  of preparing a  five-year strategy that will provide valuable guidance and direction for multi-sector engagement and partnerships, intending to revive and sustain the diminishing yak farming practice in Bhutan.