Traditional Practice of Sustainable Utilisation of Forest Resources among the Ao-Naga Tribe of Nagaland

Abstract

The present paper focuses on the significance of forest and its resources in the socio-economic life of the Ao-Naga tribe of Nagaland, their traditional knowledge and practices which have aided them in sustainably utilising the forest resources and have thus helped them in conserving the forest. Like most of the other tribal communities, the Ao-Nagas also have an inextricable link with their forest and considers it as one of the most valuable resource as it provides them with all their necessities starting from food, timber, firewood, raw materials for their arts and crafts, fodder for their cattle as well as shelter. Their dependence on the forest and its resources is such that they regard it as the provider, guide, healer and protector and have found ends and means to utilise the resources efficiently. This gave rise to a well structured ecological knowledge and usage that is very much linked to an engaging dayto-day experience and survival needs, thereby, ensuing in a sustainable use and management of the forest and its resources.