On the Road to Ecorecovery and Protection: A Case Study of Endangered Tribal Habitats and Culture in the Eastern Ghats of India

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the culture and ecology of the Eastern Ghats in southern India. Both the forests and tribal communities of this region are threatened by an increasing number of environmentally destructive commercial ventures operating in the area. A case study presents tribal habitat and communities in Andhra Pradesh that were disrupted by illegal mining operations. Linking environmental degradation and social domination, the study traces the efforts of a local nongovernment organization to empower tribal communities to protect their habitat and livelihood. Social, political, and economic issues become environmentally charged as the sustainable use and management of land depends on strengthening viable, local communities with control over their own bioresources. The study also illustrates how the promotion of ecologically sound land-use and land-management decisions in tribal communities contributes to community building and empowerment.