Community knowledge and biodiversity conservation by <i style="">Monpa</i> tribe

Abstract

Community knowledge is the essence of social capital of the poor people and plays a significant role in conservation of biodiversity. Local culture, spirit, social and ethical norms possessed by local people has often been determining factors for sustainable use, and conservation of biodiversity. In the present paper, an effort has been made to explore the dynamics of using <i style="">Paisang </i>[<i style="">Quercus rex </i>(Hemsl.) Schottky<i style="">, Oak</i> tree], <i style="">Roinangsing </i>and <i style="">Lenthongsing</i> (pine tree spp. <i style="">Pinus wallichiana </i>A. B. Jacks. and <i style="">Pinus roxburghii </i>Sarg.) leaves in different crops by <i style="">Monpa</i> tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. To achieve this objective, <i style="">Monpa</i> tribe dominating villages from Dirang development block, West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India have been selected. Study indicates that <i style="">Monpa</i> tribe is having their location specific life-long experience and indigenous strategy for sustainable biodiversity use and management at community level. This has been built up through regular practice and observations of local practices related with use of dry leaves of <i style="">Paisang</i> and pine trees. The use of dry leaves of these trees as mulch and organic matter helps the farmers to increase the soil fertility, control soil erosion and conserve soil moisture, thereby, helpful in diversifying the local cropping systems and reducing the risk.