Traditional Ecological Knowledge Repository in the Indian Himalayas: An Overview

Abstract

“Traditional ecological knowledge” (TEK) refers to a body of information that is also referred to as “local knowledge,” “traditional knowledge,” “native knowledge,” and “indigenous technological knowledge.” A number of studies show the role of traditional ecological knowledge in decision-making in social-ecological systems that support sustainability and resilience. International agencies have also highlighted and emphasised the importance of TEK practises in the preservation of biological variation. For instance, the UN Convention on Biodiversity, Article 8 (j), makes it very plain that “respect, maintain, and promote innovation and practises of indigenous and aboriginal populations connected with sustainable use of biological diversity” are essential. The benefits of TEK for sustainable forest management were acknowledged in the 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report by the World Bank. As environmentalists, anthropologists, and arborists share interests in TEK for academic, social, or economic reasons, this highlights the significance of TEK in difficulties relating to biodiversity protection. Numerous components of TEK are seen favourably by experts in fields of forestry, irrigation, architecture, ethnobiology, irrigation, agriculture, medicine, sun and water conservation, conventional weather prediction, adaptation to climate change, and disaster risk reduction. Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is predominantly populated by indigenous peoples and local societies, which are quite diverse in terms of socio-culture and race. The region has nearly 40% of all of India’s indigenous tribes. This area is also special for its traditional ecological knowledge. Many of the TEK-based practices have supported local communities in earning a livelihood. The indigenous people’s expertise and experiences are said to play a crucial part in preventing climate change, and they may give important information on the implications of climate change. Hence, sustaining biodiversity in the IHR is also a means of defending indigenous peoples’ rights. By making the TEK the focal point of governance systems at the IHR, the variety of options for sustainable growth and even the co-production of the body of knowledge would be expanded. Therefore, it seems sensible to get knowledge from the TEK before it is lost to the onslaught of modernity. However, there are numerous problems or issues with traditional ecological knowledge in India, including ignorance in considering conservation policies by the Indian government and the lack of effective documentation of this priceless knowledge. To develop sustainable and culturally suitable management techniques, it is currently a challenge to combine indigenous knowledge standards and management methods with Western science. Realising the above, this chapter attempts to comprehend the concept of TEK and its application throughout a variety of resource management contexts throughout a variety of resource management scenarios. Further, it will explore various issues and challenges and examine the regulations thereof. Lastly, this chapter concludes by highlighting the strategies and suggestions for an effective repository of traditional ecological knowledge in the Indian Himalayan Region.