Traditional knowledge systems in India for biodiversity conservation

Abstract

The term ‘Traditional Knowledge’ (TK), also used reciprocally with indigenous knowledge, is used to describe any indigenous knowledge, innovation, or custom, tradition of local communities that is important in protection, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and various traditions. TK is vital to the food security and health of millions of people and is developed and passed on from generation to generation in the form of accounts, songs, cultural values, local languages, customs and customary practices, healing arts, and agricultural practices, for the collective good of the communities. It closely interlinks cultural and biological diversity, forming an essential basis for the conservation and sustainable use of global biodiversity. Also within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the contracting States have undertaken to respect and promote TK and to make it locally accessible. This paper entails information related to various initiatives, programs, plans and India’s progress towards <span style="background:white;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Aichi Biodiversity Target 18 of the Strategic Plan of Biodiversity 2020 and discusses <span style="background:white;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">meaningful integration of TK of indigenous and local communities into Biodiversity Conservation.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"> The details were compiled by undertaking an extensive review of the literature, scientific papers, reports and articles. The presented information was collected as part of the preparation of the India’s Fifth National Report (NR5) to the CBD.

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