Ecology & environment

“In Central India, individual plant species figure in the first fruit ceremonies of the adivasi (indigenous) communities. During certain periods of the year, their fruits, flowers, leaves or seeds are not collected or consumed. This allows those species to rest for a few weeks or months during crucial periods for their growth or regeneration. The norms around these practices or methods are often embedded within the cultural-religious traditions of communities. As a knowledge system being transferred between generations, seldom are they explained or discussed in terms of ecology or conservation.” – Madhu Ramnath in “How culture threatens species A note on Caryota urens in South India” (Current Conservation 16.3, accessed 4 December 2022)
https://www.currentconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/16.3.pdf
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=20305

“Mountain ecosystems also needed by urbanized areas”: International Mountain Day (11 December) – United Nations

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Women move mountainsThe theme of this year’s International Mountain Day (IMD) on 11 December will be Women move mountains.Women play a key role in mountains’ environmental protection and social and economic development. They are often the primary managers of mountain resources, guardians of biodiversity, keepers of traditional knowledge, custodians of local culture, and experts in … Read more

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

A master of traditional Kurumba painting techniques: Krishnan of Velaricombai village (Nilgiris) – Tamil Nadu

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Source: Making do without blue in the Blue MountainsAddress: https://ruralindiaonline.org/articles/making-do-without-blue-in-the-blue-mountains/Date Visited: 3 December 2021 Learn more about natural dyes >> Rural India — a living journal, a breathing archive The everyday lives of everyday people by P Sainath | To read the full introduction, click here >> Can a project’s success be judged on the basis … Read more

Adivasi’s ancient land rights protected by law: Farming and hunting for millennia without need for title deeds – Jharkhand

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The state of Jharkhand is home to one of the largest Adivasi (tribal) populations in India. It is also the location of an estimated 40% of the country’s deposits of coal, iron ore, uranium and other minerals considered essential for India’s industrial and energy needs. […] In the early 21st century, India is experiencing unprecedented … Read more