Sustainable Environmental Conservation in Meghalaya: Role of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Abstract

In the era of modernization and globalization, climate changes and environmental degradation are a big threat to all the species of earth and their sustainability. The Indigenous knowledge and behavior of the tribal people towards nature are generally based on sustainability, productivity, and optimum balanced utilization of available land and other natural resources. Meghalaya is one of the states in India that is rich in traditional knowledge and best practices practiced by indigenous tribes many of which are of old age traditions. Many of these knowledge and practices were closely related to their livelihood. Indigenous communities of Meghalaya own, manage, and occupy at least a quarter of the world's landmass. They have been relying on the forests to gather and produce food in a sustainable manner that demonstrates the traditional value of caring, sharing, and living in harmony with nature. However, due to globalization, the influence of modern culture, intermingling, and cultural hegemony, most tribal cultures are on the way to extinction.

In light of this context, the study explores the concept of traditional indigenous knowledge and its importance in the sustainable conservation of the environment in Meghalaya. This paper emphasizes the challenges encountered by the Indigenous community in safeguarding the environment in Meghalaya. Additionally, this article proposes ways to leverage indigenous knowledge for environmental conservation in Meghalaya.