Biodiversity

“While collecting tubers, we take only what we need and we will cover the rest with mud again. Usually the main root is not taken because we need it for next year.”– Wildlife conservationist Ramesh in “Bomman thatha and his forest”, a conversation with his grandfather on “bonding between adivasi people and the forest” (At the Edge of Existence, 29 October 2014)
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=8262

Switching over to a more sustainable farming approach in the Western Ghats – Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala

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Terming the expansion of commercial plantations in Western Ghats as the reason behind its ecological “degradation”, an expert panel has recommended urgent curtailment in the “disastrous” farming practice in the ecologically sensitive zone. The expert panel, which was set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has also suggested a policy directive for various … Read more

Bhil communities’ success story: Reviving the custom known as “halma” to conserve water – Madhya Pradesh

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Ritesh Mishra, Hindustan Times, Indore, 13-3-16 Halma has united tribes people to conserve environment and water Until now, tribes people have planted more than 11,000 trees in 110 villages, repaired more than 250 hand pumps and dug more than three dozen big ponds in the region, under the drive. More than 10,000 Bhil tribes people from more than … Read more

“Adivasis no longer walk among the elephants without fear” – Human animal conflict on the rise – Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Chhattisgarh

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On March 30 [2012], Kokila, an Adivasi woman, was collecting firewood with a few friends near Kozhikolly village in the Devala area of Gudalur taluk, 50 km below Udhagamandalam, when she was charged by an angry elephant. It hurled her to the ground. Mercifully, I hope, she died instantly. The elephant kicked her around like … Read more