TRIBAL KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS, BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A SOCIAL WORK STUDY IN NANDURBAR DISTRICT
How to Cite the Article: Archana Sudam Patil (2018). Tribal Knowledge Systems, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development: A Social Work Study in Nandurbar District. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, Vol.2018, no1, pp. 7-13.
Abstract
Tribal communities possess a rich repository of indigenous knowledge that has evolved through centuries of close interaction with the natural environment. This traditional knowledge system plays a significant role in biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilization of natural resources, and livelihood security. Nandurbar District of Maharashtra, predominantly inhabited by Bhil, Pawra, Kokna, and other tribal communities, represents an important region where indigenous ecological knowledge continues to influence agriculture, forest management, healthcare, and conservation practices. However, rapid modernization, deforestation, climate change, industrialization, and changing socio-economic conditions have gradually weakened these traditional systems. The present study examines the relationship between tribal knowledge systems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development from a social work perspective in Nandurbar District. A descriptive research design was adopted using both primary and secondary sources of information. Primary data were collected from 120 tribal respondents through structured interviews and field observations, while secondary data were obtained from books, research articles, government reports, and published literature. The findings indicate that traditional ecological knowledge significantly contributes to the conservation of medicinal plants, water resources, forests, wildlife, and sustainable agricultural practices. Community participation, traditional institutions, and women's involvement were found to be important factors supporting biodiversity conservation. However, declining forest resources, migration, poverty, limited institutional support, and inadequate documentation of indigenous knowledge pose serious challenges to sustainable development. From a social work perspective, community organization, awareness programmes, capacity building, and participatory natural resource management can strengthen biodiversity conservation while improving the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities. The study concludes that integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific approaches and development policies is essential for achieving environmental sustainability and inclusive rural development.
