Traditional ecological knowledge for natural resource management and sustainable development in Indian context

Abstract

During the last few decades, the increasing demands of growing human population in developing countries have resulted in extensive degradation of natural ecosystems. This has contributed to significant reduction in ecosystem goods and services, posing a grave challenge on ecosystem and human wellbeing. The Natural ecosystems are dynamic and complex and their management requires understanding of social and ecological interactions. Whilst there is a better appreciation on application and use of formal knowledge in natural ecosystem management still there is a need to have better understanding on traditional knowledge which is available with local communities. Integrating two knowledge systems, traditional and formal, is important for sustainable natural resource management. In this paper an effort is made to discuss the role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in conservation of biodiversity and natural resource management in India with special reference to sacred groves and management of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP)for sustainable livelihood. Key words: Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Non Timber Forest Products, Sacred Grove.