Abstract
Cultural diversity in remote mountain regions is closely linked to biodiversity, as there is a symbiotic relationship between habitats and cultures, and between ecosystems and cultural identity; indeed, religious rules and rituals often strengthen this relationship and are characterized by a conservation ethic. The present paper presents an analysis of information collected from knowledgeable members of mountain communities in the State of Uttarakhand, Central Himalaya. The data collected are analyzed within the framework of traditional knowledge-based systems (TKBS) methodology, using the conservation purpose of rules and practices as a means of typifying the information on sacred natural sites (forests/groves, pastures, water bodies), on the phenomenon of dedicating forests to a deity, on the inherent taboos regarding resource exploitation, and on other traditional beliefs and customs, in order to understand the environmental and conservationist implications of these rules and practices. The analysis shows that the cultural precepts of remote Uttarakhand mountain communities can be considered a precondition for sustainable development. In fact, the association of religion with ecosystem management is inherent in traditional Himalayan communities' culture; one cannot think of ecological systems in the Himalaya without religion. However, this knowledge and related conservation rules need to be strengthened in the face of current change.
Highlights
Beginning several decades ago, the idea that indigenous people and other small-scale societies were exemplary conservationists gained widespread currency in popular media as well as academic circles (Smith and Wishnie 2000)
Evidence offered in support of this characterization includes culturally expressed conservation ethics, animistic religious beliefs conceptualizing other species as social beings, and the relatively higher richness of biodiversity found within sacred forests (Duming 1992; Gadgil et al 1993; Callicott 1994; Alcorn 1996; Bodley 1996; Bernbaum 2006)
Sustainable natural resource management is driven by the beliefs and behaviors of human communities, and local cultures are strengthened by their intimate connections to the natural environment that sustains them (Rist et al 2003)
Summary
The idea that indigenous people and other small-scale societies were exemplary conservationists gained widespread currency in popular media as well as academic circles (Smith and Wishnie 2000). Traditional knowledge-based systems (TKBS) qualify as being of conservation value only if they satisfy two basic criteria: they must (a) prevent or mitigate resource depletion, species extirpation, and habitat degradation and (b) be designed to do so (Alvard 1998; Ruttan and Borgerhoff Mulder 1999; Smith and Wishnie 2000). With these two criteria as analytical tools, the present paper describes the inherent conservation role of salient cultural practices in various landscapes, including in sacred forests, and of the traditional knowledge-based systems developed and practiced by mountain communities in the State of Uttarakhand, Central Himalaya
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
