Model Answer

Ethnic and indigenous communities in India, comprising around 68 million people, play a pivotal role in the conservation of biodiversity. Living in proximity to forests, they have developed sustainable practices that help preserve the natural environment over generations.

1. Cultural and Religious Integration Many tribal communities integrate conservation into their cultural beliefs, often treating certain plants or animals as sacred. For example, the Gond tribe in the Western Ghats protects sacred groves of the mango tree (Mangifera Indica) due to their belief in the tree being the abode of deities. This cultural reverence helps maintain biodiversity by preventing the destruction of these ecosystems.

2. Use of Traditional Knowledge Indigenous communities possess traditional ecological knowledge, passed down through generations. This knowledge enables them to utilize a wide range of plant species without overexploiting them. For example, tribes in southern India use up to 1,500 plant species, compared to the 100-150 species typically relied upon by others. This diversity helps prevent overharvesting of any single species and promotes ecosystem balance.

3. Sustainable Practices in Agriculture Tribal communities in India follow sustainable agricultural practices that ensure species conservation. For instance, the Kadars in Tamil Nadu selectively harvest mature yam plants, and the Gaddi and Gujjar tribes practice controlled grazing to prevent the overgrowth of wild grasses. These methods contribute to maintaining the health of local ecosystems.

4. Species-Specific Conservation Some indigenous tribes avoid hunting certain species they consider sacred. The Adi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, for example, does not hunt tigers, sparrows, or pangolins, believing these creatures bring good fortune. Such species-specific taboos contribute to species preservation.

5. Environmental Movements and Collective Responsibility Indigenous communities have initiated numerous environmental movements to protect ecosystems, such as the Bishnoi movement in Rajasthan and the Jungle Bachao Andolan in Bihar. Furthermore, they practice collective responsibility by ensuring that saplings are not destroyed and only necessary resources are collected from nature.

6. Collaboration with Government Many tribal communities collaborate with governmental bodies and NGOs in conservation efforts. The Singchung Bagun Village Community Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, for instance, was created to protect a rare bird species through a joint effort between the Bagun tribe, researchers, and the forest department.

In conclusion, ethnic and indigenous communities have developed an in-depth understanding of local ecosystems, contributing significantly to the conservation of biodiversity in India. Recognizing their vital role and adopting a rights-based approach can greatly enhance India’s conservation efforts.