Kiwi fruits sustain growth on AP tribes’ habit of consuming bugs

• July 10, 2023

Source: The Pioneer

Researchers have discovered that the indigenous Apatani tribes in Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro Valley, through their consumption of Kiwi fruits’ bug-Chafer beetles are effectively managing the fruit crop in an environmentally sustainable manner, without the need for harmful insecticides and pesticides. The study, published in the journal Current Science, revealed that not only has the usage of toxic insecticides been eliminated, but the yield of kiwi crops has actually increased in areas where entomophagy (insect eating habit) is practiced. Impressed by these findings, the researchers emphasized the importance of encouraging such entomophagy practices to be adopted in other regions as well, as a means of managing pest species in an environmentally friendly manner. The study, titled “Traditional knowledge of pest management and entomophagy: perspective on kiwi crop management by the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, North East India,” involved interviews with community members and kiwi farmers from seven villages each in the Ziro Valley and Yachuli region, as well as six villages in the Bomdila region-important kiwi-producing areas. Field visits were conducted, and all activities related to insect harvesting were documented through photographs.

Merge indigenous knowledge systems with modern technology for a better planet

• July 10, 2023

Source: The Week

Colonial influences have diluted the potency of a culturally bio-diverse nation such as India to the extent that people today credit Western technologies and knowledge systems as the reason for any manner of progressive development in India. It is therefore not surprising to note an excessive glorification of high-tech infrastructure and technologies in the name of modernisation when the reality, however, is the exact opposite. Recent studies render the global north responsible for 92 per cent of the prevailing climate breakdown since historical times while the contribution of the global south is a meagre 8 per cent. As per this, India alone (of the rest of the global south nations) harbours 34 per cent of the climate credit. The concept of modernity is a construct of the human mind. There are several examples of self-sufficiency, resilience, and capacity building embedded within the social infrastructure of any nation; known to have withstood the trials of time. Ancient Indian societies were known to be far more advanced for their times; even prior to colonial infiltration. India is renowned globally for its array of diverse, regenerative, and restorative approaches to living and management of the local environment via local and contextualised native solutions. The biggest challenge associated with the utilisation of Western solutions in the global south context lies in their reduced efficiencies which stem from their biases towards the problems of the global north.

Indigenous knowledge and practices essential to ESG, expert says

• June 22, 2023

Source: CPA Canada

Mr Scott Munro, CPA, deputy chief executive officer of the First Nations Financial Management Board in Vancouver, is passionate about seeing more Indigenous professionals take leadership roles to help address major issues impacting Canada. After addressing CPA Canada’s 2023 ESG symposium, Mr Munro spoke with CPA Canada about how Canadian businesses can benefit from incorporating Indigenous leadership, practices and values into their ESG-related activities. Their traditional ways of living are based on the knowledge and traditions passed down from elders and ancestors. Seven-generational thinking examines how today’s actions and decisions will impact the way people live, and emphasizes the need to understand the long-term impacts on future descendants and generations.
 

Indigenous knowledge crucial to managing wildfire risk

• June 21, 2023

Source: India Education Diary

Wildfire risks could be reduced by strengthening Indigenous knowledge in management strategies, according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA).Combining traditional knowledge and techniques with modern approaches, Indigenous communities in Bolivia are finding new ways of dealing with increasingly flammable landscapes that threaten their lives and livelihoods. Studying how the Monkoxɨ indigenous people use and manage fire in the dry forest, shrublands and savannah of the Bolivian lowlands, the researchers found they not only protect their territories but also ensure more political self-determination. In doing so, the Monkoxɨ are changing the terms of the conversation about the role of indigenous knowledge in wildfire management. Dr Iokiñe Rodríguez, an associate professor in UEA’s School of International Development, led the research, with Mirna Inturias from Bolivia’s NUR University, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, and Elmar Masay from the Union of Indigenous Communities of Lomerío (CICOL).

Integrate traditional knowledge with scientific for climate resilient Arunachal Pradesh: DyCM

• June 21, 2023

Source: Arunachal Observer

Deputy Chief Minister Mr Chowna Mein has called for integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancement to create inclusive and sustainable roadmap for climate resilient Arunachal Pradesh, in his message to a three-day capacity development workshop for gram panchayats, which begun in Arunachal University of Studies (AUS)  ON 21 June 2023. He also advocated evolving action plan in tune with Pakke Declaration 2047 to address current issue of climate change and ensure a climate resilient future for Arunachal Pradesh. The workshop, on ‘planning and implementation of local climate change adaptation plans under Pakke Tiger Reserve-2047 declaration on climate change resilient and responsive Arunachal Pradesh’, is a joint initiative of departments of Environment, Forest & Climate Change EFCC), Panchayati Raj, Rural Development and Department of Disaster Management

Several festivals are held across India that celebrate, and raise awareness about, local food

• May 22, 2023

Source: Outlook

At these festivals, you will come across fascinating displays of seed diversity, foods, and interact with seed savers from different regions. They highlight the importance of local food systems to sustain people and nature in a diversity of rural and urban contexts. And include food tastings from local restaurants, local produce like regional fermented drinks, live music, and even workshops on wellness. And they are a great boost to the local community. You will also witness several tribal rituals, folk music and dance at this event.

Meghalaya takes a step toward wellness tourism

• May 03, 2023

Source: Times Travel

The Meghalaya Government is likely to blend Ayurveda with the Khasi traditional healing system in a bid to promote health tourism in Meghalaya. As per the government, this initiative might do wonders in both health as well as tourism sector. Recently, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr AL Hek informed that the Mebai Tribal Health and Wellness centre will soon be inaugurated, where one can experience this unique concept of Khasi traditional healing system and Ayurveda together. This region is rich in medicinal plants, therefore, starting such an initiative will add to the economy of the state. It is expected that this concept of holistic therapy would attract many to visit the state and experience something offbeat.

A pop-up with dishes from Meghalaya comes to Delhi

• April 12, 2023

Source: Mint

Fruits, spices and grains from the Northeast make their way to the capital. The Meghalaya Kitchen at The Park in Connaught Place, Delhi NCR runs from April 14 to 21 and features umami-rich dishes from the Northeastern state. The menu has been conceptualised by Ms Tanisha Phanbuh who hails from Shillong. Her food brand, Tribal Gourmet, serves as a platform for information on foods from the Northeast on Instagram (@tribalgourmet); and she hosts pop-ups in restaurants across Delhi under this label.

For the experiential menu at The Park Hotel,she sourced wild greens, fruits, spices and grains from Meghalaya. The first course has a selection of chutneys—an amalgamation of sweet, sour, salty and umami—to open the palate. It comes with a serving of potatoes which does what most carbs do: act as a medium to carry flavours. The main course includes a fish preparation with perilla seeds that grow abundantly in the hills of Northeast. For dessert, Phanbuh made a sweet treat with a twist. Tea is an intrinsic part of the cuisine of Meghalaya and she drew inspiration from it to make a tea panna cotta. She picked the sweetish, fleshy fruit named Sohiong in Meghalaya and prepared a jam. 

Crop breeding benefits from the traditional knowledge of farmers

• March 29, 2023

Source: Nature Middle East

An international research team has combined traditional farmers’ knowledge with modern genomics in a new wheat breeding approach. Using this approach could produce varieties that are better adapted to local conditions and more appealing to smallholder famers. The researchers worked with farmers in Ethiopia to demonstrate the viability of the new approach. They crossed local, traditional varieties with an elite international line to create a collection of experimental ‘pre-breeding’ lines. They then grew these lines at different locations in Ethiopia and asked local farmers to inspect and evaluate the plants around their flowering time. 

Forest Department hones traditional knowledge of nomadic tribes for conservation

• March 21, 2023

Source: The Hindu

Three months after the Lok Sabha passed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022 to include the Narikoravan and Kurivikkaran hill tribes of Tamil Nadu in the Scheduled Tribes list of the State, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department is planning to tap their traditional knowledge in conservation. Eleven members from the two nomadic communities, six men and five women, recently underwent a training organised by the Forest Department here aimed at creating awareness among them on conservation and tapping their traditional knowledge for the same. The participants were from Chengalpattu, Villupuruam, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai districts.