Enter records

ID: 61296
Title: Farmer ' s Knowledge of Soil Fertility Bio-ecological Indicators Influencing Land Use Management at Forest-agriculture Interface in Southern Cameroon.
Author: Mala, A. William, Geldenhuys, C J., Prabhu, R.
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 436-460 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Land use, local indicators, forest agriculture, agroecological, sustainability, Southern Cameroon.
Abstract: This paper examines the farmer ' s knowledge of soil fertility bio-ecological indicators influencing land use management decision at the forest agriculture interface. The study was carried in the humid forest zone of southern Cameroon within a gradient of natural resource use and population density. The social representation of resources at spatiotemporal levels is characterized by a dual system of complementary land uses. Five categories of soil fertility bio-ecological indicators are used by farmers including soil color, depth of humus, age of vegetation/forest and presence of earthworms, varying in number and quality in their use. The uses of combinations of these indicators illustrate the multi-criteria approach in the management of land use based on the local understanding of soil fertility in traditional agroecosystem. These indicators are used in defining soil fertility patterns, in selecting patches of land and in partly contributing to allocating appropriate land use for cropping. The results confirm that social representation of land uses, their resources and local bio-ecological indicators of soil fertility are key factors that influence land use management decisions and agro-ecological resilience in the agriculture-forest interface.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Adesina AA, Chainu J, Mbila D (1997) Property rights and alley farming technology adoption in West and Central Africa. Paper presented at the International Workshop on Property Rights, Collective Action and Technology Development Adoption, 22-25 Nov 1997, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria. Altieri AM (2002) Agroecology: The Science of Natural Resource Management for Poor Farmers in Marginal Environments. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environments 93 (2002): 1-24.
Literature cited 2: ASB (1995) Alternatives to Slash and Burn Phase I Report: Forest Margins Benchmark of Cameroon, Alternatives to Slash and Burn Program. Yaound?: IITA Humid Forest Ecoregional Centre. ASB (2000) Alternatives to Slash and Burn Phase II Report: Forest Margins Benchmark of Cameroon, Alternatives to Slash and Burn Program. Yaound?: IITA Humid Forest Ecoregional Centre.

ID: 61295
Title: Collection and Marketing of Wild Honey by Indigenous People of Palawan, Philippines
Author: Arsenio B.Ella, Emmanuel P.Domingo
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 416-435 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: NTFPs, wild honey, pukyutan, ligwan, Natripal, Palawan.
Abstract: One important non-timber forest product (NTFP) from the local communities in Palawan is wild honey. Nagkakaisang Tribung Palawan (NATRIPAL), an association of indigenous people in collaboration with Forest Products Research and Development Institute-International Tropical Timber Organization (FPRDI-ITTO) Project worked hand-in-hand to gather the experiences and insights of the local people in the establishment and operation of wild honey gathering, trading and marketing. Moreover, the study aimed to improve and recommend appropriate technical skills along indigenous peoples (IPs) expertise and collection practices of wild honey. The study was carried out in 3 sites which were strategically distributed in the entire island- province. Assessment of the areas and interviews of IPs knowledgeable in the actual gathering, processing and trading of wild honey thus made up the methodology. Honey gathering has been an integral part of IPs existence suffices it to say that it is a part of their culture and rituals. NATRIPAL in collaboration with FPRDI-ITTO based project brought Palawan ' s indigenous communities the idea of community organizing, giving priority to the livelihood concerns of honey gatherers and traders. Honey gathering, as an enterprise, is a very viable activity at the level of the gatherer. The technology offers the following advantages: a) low capital input; b) high returns per unit of time spent; and c) low technical requirement needed by the gatherer. The interaction between NATRIPAL and FPRDI has enlightened the IPs on the possibility of self-determination and the importance of their tenurial holdings, thus maintaining their hold on the forest resources on which their livelihood is anchored. The Palawan traditional forest-related knowledge and practices (PTFRKP) are a function of the need for these IPs to survive. These may not have scientific basis but in a way capable of protecting the natural resource base of the environment.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Banua, D. 1996.Personal communication as leading IP involved in wild honey production and marketing in Palawan. Ella, A.B. and A.P.Mosteiro, 2000.Assessment on the collection, Processing and Trade of Non-Wood Forest Products in Local Communities (Palawan).Terminal Report. FPRDI-ITTO PD 15/96 Rev.2 (M, I).Study 2.150 pp.
Literature cited 2: Prebble, C., A.B.Ella and W.Subansenee.1999.ITTO: Making the Most of NWFP.ITTO Tropical Forest Update. Volume 9, No.1ISSN 1022-5439:4-8.

ID: 61294
Title: Sustainability of Livelihood Resources in Central West Coast, Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka, India.
Author: T.V.Ramachandra, M.D.Subash Chandran, N.V.Joshi, M.Boominathan
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 397-415 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Bivalves, estuary, Uttara Kannada, Impact of dams
Abstract: Bivalves (Clams and oysters) contribute to the livelihoods of many people in India. Shell and sand mining in the molluscan beds, over-exploitation of bivalves, and sustained freshwater flows from the hydroelectric projects are expected to have adverse consequences on estuarine bivalve resources. The present study was conducted in the four major estuaries of Uttara Kannada District (Kali, Gangavali, Aghanashini, and Sharavarthi), to see the diversity of edible bivalves and their distribution. The study was conducted in 2011-2012 period in these estuaries. The status of edible bivalves of the estuaries was assessed through primary observations and interviews with local fisher folks. Past studies were also referred together such information. Anadaragranosa, Meretrixcasta, M.meretrix, Paphiamalabarica, Polymesodaerosa, Villoritacyprinoides and oysters were present in the Uttara Kannada estuaries. In sharavathi estuary only Polymesodaerosa and oysters were found. The distribution zones of edible bivalves, and thereby abundance, in the Kali estuary was less than the Aghanashini and Gangavali estuaries. The reasons for such disparity between the neighbouring estuaries could be attributed to major human intervention in the form of construction of hydroelectric projects upstream that caused low salinity conditions in the downstream causing depletion of most estuarine bivalves, as is glaringly evident in the Sharavathi estuary.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Alagarswami, K.and K A Narasimham.1973.?Clam, Cokle and Oyster Resources of the Indian Coasts.?In Proceedings of the Symposium on Living Resources of the Seas Around India, 1968, 648-658.Mandapam Camp.http:eprints.cmfri.org.in/2760/. Apte, D.1998.The Book of Indian Shells. Bombay Natural History Society and Oxford University Press, Mumbai.
Literature cited 2: Bhat, P K 2003. ?Hydrological Studies of Aghanashini Estuary, Kumta-Central West Coast of India?.Ph.D.Thesis, Karnataka University, Dharwad. Boominathan, M, M D S Chandran, and T V Ramachandra.2008 Economic Valuation of Bivalves in the Aghanashini Estuary, West Coast, Karnataka. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.

ID: 61293
Title: Medicinal Plants Cultivation and Domestication: Need a Ground Level Research in Central Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India.
Author: L.S.Kandari, V.K.Bisht, R.Hiramani Yadav, Tripti Negi.
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 370-396 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Climate change; Domestication, Medicinal plants; traditional, Socio-economic.
Abstract: Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are essential part of traditional health care systems in India and in Himalayan region (IHR).The wild collection and cultivation of a variety of MAP species provide a critical source of health care, income and livelihood to many rural communities inhibited in the Uttarakhand in central Himalaya. During last few decades, many of these plant species are increasingly threatened by various factors like environmental, socio-economic and habitat destruction. Simultaneously, traditional and local source of knowledge about usage and importance of these plants are also getting vanished, and in some cases, lost very rapidly due to the migration, death of aged people who are endowed with herbal values of these important resources. Uttarakhand state has been declared as ?Herbal State? in 28 March 2002 and various attempts have been made at different levels to address the issues by organizing rural appreciation, availability of quality planting material, farmers training programmes, sustainable use of these resources, development of market/supply chain etc. The training Programmes were usually conducted to build and strengthen the capabilities for the farmers to domesticate MAPs. However, such programmes gained wide popularity among few farmers where they were organized. The limited impact is attributed to lack of a holistic approach from top to bottom and vice-versa. Therefore, scientific analyses by the researchers should identify the need for further research and sustained interventions to strengthen the willingness with better infrastructure and extension programs. Researchers should focus on lab to land and action oriented research for the economical upliftment of the rural people of this region requires training and exposure to induce local community to get direct benefit.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Anonymous, (2011).India Agricultural and Livestock census, 2011 Chapman, K.and Chomachalow, N. (2005).Production of medicinal plants inAsia.Acta
Literature cited 2: Chauhan, N.S. (1996).Business potential of medicinal and aromatic plants. Science, Technology and Entrepreneur, 2, 34-38. Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L.and Chopra, I.C. (1956).Glossary of Indian Medicinal plants. Publication and Information Directorate. CSIR, New Delhi.

ID: 61292
Title: Herbal Home Garden for Sustaining Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity in Urban and Rural Environments.
Author: Nitu, R.B.Singh
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 349-369 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Herbal home garden (Kitchen garden), medicinal plants, herbal home remedy, common ailments
Abstract: Herbal home remedies have a long history and found in the form of oral tradition. Herbs and other locally available medicinal plants have been used for healing purposes and maintaining good health since time immemorial. These practices of healthy living and use of herbs for curing diseases enunciated in Ayurveda are in vogue in Indian households even today. The current status of home-made herbal formulations used by community and traditional healers has been studied in Haridwar (Uttarakhand) and North-West district of Delhi in the year 2008-2009.The total sample size of 75 households were taken from each district making a total of 150 households and for this, 3 villages were chosen from each district by random sampling method.20 Vaidyas (traditional healers) were selected from each district making a total of 40.For the collection of primary information, well-structured questionnaires were used during the field surveys. Focus group discussion and personal interviews were applied to document the uses of medicinal plants as health care measure. Besides the review of relevant literature, the research used a variety of qualitative techniques, such as semi-structured, in-depth interviews and participant observations. The present study facilitates a better understanding of the present status of indigenous knowledge system, local innovations and practice of herbal based home remedies among the people of two distinct geographical location. The traditional knowledge is diffused in the society, especially old aged females who possess knowledge about certain plant species for curing certain common ailments. The cultural set-up and old aged traditional knowledge system is a way of life in Indian households, kitchen and herbal home garden are small treatment place for common ailments like cough, cold, fever and headache. Irrespective of geographical localities viz. rural and urban settlements, the role of Herbal Home Garden (kitchen garden) is significant in providing accessible health facilities. Herbal Home Garden provides vitamins and minerals in the form of vegetables, fruits and spices. Many plant species are available in the surrounding and in the Herbal Home Garden. In the studied villages of Haridwar, 65 percent respondents have Herbal Home Garden (Kitchen garden) and are considered as source of good health. In the studied villages of North-West Delhi; the preference of Herbal Home Garden has sharply inclined as 68 per cent respondent reports acute shortage of space due to rapid urbanization.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Agelet, A., Bonet, M.A., and Valles, J. (2000) Homegardens and Their role as Main Source of Medicinal Plants in Mountain Regions of Catalonia (Iberian Peninsula).Economic Botany, 54 (3): 295-309 Dobriyal, R.M., Singh, G.S., Rao, K.S. and Saxena, K.G. (1997) Medicinal Plant Resources in.
Literature cited 2: Chhakinal Watershed in the North-western Himalaya. Journal of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants 5:15-27. Harish, B. Kumar and Lenin, K Babu (2009) Traditional Knowledge System (Medicine): A Case Study of Arakalgud Taluk, Karnataka, India, Institute For Social and Economic Change, 2009, working paper 214.

ID: 61291
Title: Adaptive Management of Medicinal Plant Resources: Need for a Participatory Science.
Author: Giridhar Kinhal
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 336-345 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Sustainable harvesting, standard models, benefit sharing, equitable sharing, NTFPs.
Abstract: In medicinal plant sector the complex system of sustainable harvesting, processing and trade have always been hard to understand without standard models or methodologies, and has been a challenge in introducing transparent marketing, proper quality control and standardization. The benefit sharing from harvesters to higher-level traders of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) medicinal plants need to be regulated and an equitable sharing of benefits should be assured at all stages. Any conservation measure will remain elusive until knowledge concerning NTFPs with respect to ecology, economy, politics and cultural conditions is documented and their interrelationships incorporated into decision-making process. The issues related to uncertainty in developing sustainable harvest methodologies such as local knowledge, tenure rights, empowerment and autonomy to local institution, institutional capacity, political system affecting the equity and resource access, market policy, trade linkages etc.need to be taken care through a well developed and operationalised adaptive management strategy.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 61290
Title: Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections and Herbal Cures in the Traditional Medicine of Tribal Communities in Northeast India.
Author: Veena Tandon, Arun Kumar Yadav, Bishnupada Roy
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 290-335 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Folk medicine; Tribal traditional medicine; Northeast India; Gastrointestinal helminthes.
Abstract: Herbal cures in the form of various products, like decoctions, infusions, extracts, essential oils, etc .have been used to cure intestinal work infections in many traditional societies of the world. This article provides an overview of some important putative medicinal plants that are used traditionally in the treatment of intestinal worm infections among the native tribal communities of northeast India. Information on scientific and local names of the plants, their distribution, plant part (s) used and their known traditional usesis provided herein; besides, chemical constituents/active principles of these plants, their putative anthelmintic efficacy and the possible mode of action are also discussed. In addition, a brief account is also provided of some of the unique features of the traditional medicine system that is practiced by these tribes. It is hoped that the information given about the various plant species and their potentialas curative of intestinal worm infections may be useful tobotanists, pharmacologists, chemists and other researchers who are interested in alternative system of herbal medicine.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Ashan, M., Zaman, T.A., Hasan, C.M., Ito, C.and and Aslam, S.K.N. (2000).Constituents and cytotoxicity of Zanthoxylum stem bark.Fitoterapia, 71:7970700. Akerele, O. (1990).Medicinal plants in traditional medicine. In: Economic and Medicinal Plant Research.Vol.4.Plants and Traditional Medicine. (Eds.Farnsworth N.R.and Wagner H.).Academic Press Ltd., London.
Literature cited 2: Anonymous (2000).Report of the Task Force on conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants. Government of India, Planning Commission, New Delhi, 194 pp. Atal, Ck. (1980).Chemistry and pharmacology of vasicinea new oxytocic and abortifacient.CSIR Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu Tawi, India, 58 pp.

ID: 61289
Title: Traditional Knowledge and Biocultural Healing Heritage of Gond Tribe in Basta Region of Chhattisgarh.
Author: R.N.Pati, Jason Dyck
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 253-289 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Industrial development, liberalization, Commodification, Globalisation, traditional knowledge, medicinal plants.
Abstract: The growing industrial development in Chhattisgarh, the premier herbal State of India, has displaced forest dwelling communities and plant life while threatening the foundation of biodiversity on various fronts. The severely marginalized traditional healing knowledge of the Gond and other tribal communities of Chhattisgarh face extinction. Therefore, documentation of such knowledge is essential and an urgent demand of the day. It is only essential to guard against the threat of the loss of such knowledge, but also to prevent the danger of its future exploitation. The rich healing heritage of the Gond is interwoven with their their vibrant ethnic profile and unique cultural heritage. The proliferation of mining operations, the liberalizations of market forces, rapid urbanization and the impact of globalization have not only commodified the ceremony, rituals and healing practices of forest dwelling communities, but also commercialized the traditional knowledge of Gond healers and elders. Evidence of this is found with the commodification of ceremonies which have been manipulated by event management businesses with the patronage of political leaders. The commercialization of Gond folk dancing and that of other tribal communities in Chhattisgarh has been reflected in state and national level cultural programs organized for attracting guests and clients. Globalizations forces have opened a pathway for entry into a new era where what was once considered sacred traditions are commodified and commercialized .The marketing of medicinal plants and related traditional knowledge through biopiracy has posed a serious threat to the traditional healers and community elders of the Gond tribe. Similarly, the commodification of traditional knowledge, folk dance and ceremonies have opened up avenues for the disclosure of traditional medicine to the public domain. The increased attention from urban markets now being given to such traditional knowledge, sacred medicinal plants and healing traditions has added new threats and multiplied the exploitation of natural resources and biopiracy. These risks expose this indigenous healing heritage to a new set of challenges which needs to be addressed if such traditions are expected to endure.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Alexiades MN, Sheldon JW: ?Selected Guidelines for Ethnobotanical Research: A field Manual.?Advances in Economic Botany, Vol.10.The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York; 1996. Canales M, Hernandez T, Caballero J, Romo de Vivar A, Avila G, Duran A, Lira R:?Informat consensus factor and antibacterial activity of the medicinal plants used by the people of SanRafael Coxcatlan,?Puebla, Mexico. Journal of Ethno-pharmacology 2005, 97:429-439.
Literature cited 2: Heinrich M, Ankli A, Frei B, Weimann C, Sticher O: ?Medicinal plants in Mexico: Healers ' consensus and cultural importance.? Social Science and Medicine 1998, 47: 1859-1871. La Plante Medicinale: de la Tradition a la Science, Paris: Jacques Grancher.

ID: 61288
Title: Agro-ecosystem Resource Utilization Pattern along Different Elevational Transects in Central Himalaya.
Author: A.K.Uniyal, S.Suyal
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 229-250 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Agro-ecosystem, micro-watershed, altitudinal zone, agroforestry models.
Abstract: Present investigation was carried out to analyze the agroecosystem functioning and resource utilization pattern of Chaundiyat micro-watershed in Garhwal region of Central Himalaya. Findings revealed that the highest (9.18 MJ kg x 105 MJ-1 Yr-1) and lowest values (5.55 MJ kg x 105 ha-1 Yr-1) of total energy input was recorded at high and lower altitudinal zones, however, total energy output was estimated maximum (5.55MJkg x 105 ha-1 Yr-1) at middle altitudinal zone in this agro-ecosystem. The overall output-input ratio was found highest (1.46) for middle and lowest (1.02) at high altitudinal zone. The crop wise output: input (O/I) ratio reveals that, fingermillet (17.17) and barnyard millet (10.49) were found highly profitable, whereas mustard was the least profitable (0.04) crop over all the elevational transects. Annual fuel wood energy consumption per person was recorded maximum (16226 MJ kg/person-1/Yr-1) at higher and minimum (12151 MJ kg/ person-1/ Yr-1) at middle altitudinal villages and for each household, highest (76531 MJ kg/ household-1 /Yr-1) at lower and least (59394 MJ kg/household-1/Yr-1) at middle altitude villages. Average fodder extraction was maximum (46 and 122.65 kg) at high altitude villages being are in close vicinity of the forest thus collect more fodder as compared to lower altitude villages where forests are far away. Fodder/ fuel wood collection exercise takes about 4 hours per day for each household at lower and middle, whereas 3 hours at higher altitudinal zone. Fodder consumption w.r.t. stall feeding was found highest (66.86%) at middle, while the cattles are least (18.23%) dependent at higher elevational zones. In contrast, maximum grazing (81.77 %) was observed at higher, whereas the minimum (33.14%) at middle elevational zones. Average distance travelled by the cattles for grazing was noticed highest (3.7 km) at middle, whereas the least (3.0 km) at higher elevational villages. This investigation suggests that adoption of appropriate agroforestry models for fodder, fuel, food etc production as well as forest resource management could be the most viable option for socio-economic upliftment of local populace as well as biodiversity conservation of this area.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Adhikari, B., Salvatore, D.F. and Lovett, J.C. (2004).Household characteristics and Forrest Dependency: evidence from common property forest management in Nepal. Ecological Economics, 48: 245-257. Bhatt, B.P., Negi, A.K. and Todaria, N.P. (1994).Fuel wood consumption pattern at different altitude I n Garhwal Himalaya. Energy, 19 (4): 465-468 pp.
Literature cited 2: Gunasena, H.P.M. (1994).Agroforestry technology for sustainable production in Srilanka.In Singh, Panjab, Pathak, P.S.and Roy, M.M. (eds).Agroforestry system for sustainable land use, Oxford and IBH Publishing, New Delhi., pp. Kandpal, K.D. and Negi, G.C.S. (2003).Studies on leaf litter decomposition rate for rainfed crop soil fertility management in the western Himalayas.Jounal of Hill Research, 16 (1): 35-38.

ID: 61287
Title: Indigenous Knowledge, Native Agriculture and Sacred Landscape: The Apatani of Eastern Himalaya.
Author: N.K.Das
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 202-228 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge, spiritual, ancestral and cosmological symbiotic, biodiversity and sustainable use.
Abstract: Indigenous knowledge refers to the cumulative and complex bodies of knowledge, know-how, practices and representations that are maintained and developed by peoples with extended histories of interactions with the natural environment. These cognitive systems are part of a complex that also includes language, attachment to place, spiritually and worldview (UNESCO, 2003).Indigenous knowledge includes the sophisticated understandings, interpretations and meanings that are accumulated and developed by peoples having extended histories of interaction with the natural environment (UNESCO, 2003: 1).For the vast majority of rural and indigenous peoples these knowledge systems provide the basis for local-level management and encompass the wisdom, knowledge and teachings about day-to-day life (economic, social, cultural, and ecological).The narratives of local communities tend to emphasize the spiritual, ancestral, and cosmological symbiotic connections. India has rich folk tradition of the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources, to which its ' ecosystem people ' still adhere in varying degrees (gadgil and Vartak, 1976; Gadgil, 1991).Indian farmers developed non-chemical, eco-friendly pesticides and fertilizers that have modern applications. The protection of landscapes as sacred ponds and groves is a remarkable feature of the Indian subcontinent. It is mainly in the hilly and mountainous areas of India like the Himalayas, the Western Ghats and central India that indigenous practices survive, sometimes in their pristine form. The conservation of forest patches, groves and trees probably dates back to the pre-epic period in Indian history. Observers such as Karve (1974) and Gadgil and Guha (1992) state that the introduction of iron in India, about 1000 BC, was instrumental in the march of agriculture and pastoralism into the forest-clad Gangetic Valley. Sacred groves, however are disappearing and being replaced by housing sites, agriculture, secondary forests or even eucalyptus plantations. The community reserved forests and groves, once an integral part of the village landscape and ecosystem, are no more sacred (Chandran M.D.Subash and Madhav Gadgil 1998). This author has initiated a research programme to study the survival strategies of hill tribes in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, with focus on food procurement knowledge systems, conservation techniques, sacred landscape, folklore and customary laws. This paper briefly discusses the preliminary findings of the project.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Barik, S.K., Pandy H.N., Tiwari, B.K.and Singh, B.1999.Sacred forests of Meghalaya.Shillong: North Eastrern Hill University. Bhagabati, A.C.1998.?Tribal transformation in Assam and North East India: An appraisal of emerging ideological dimensions.?Presidential address, Section of Anthropology and Archaeology, Seventy-fifth Indian Science Congress, Pune.
Literature cited 2: Blackburn, Stuart 2003 ' Colonial contact in the ' hidden land ' : Oral history among the Apatanis of Arunachal Pradesh ' . The Indian Economic and Social History Review, 40.3 (2003). Chandran M.D.Subash and Madhav Gadgil 1998 Sacred Groves and Sacred Trees of Uttara Kannada In Lifestyle And Ecology Edited by Baidyanath Saraswati-New Delhi:IGNCA]

ID: 61286
Title: Agro Forestry-Need of the Hour
Author: P.R. Reddy
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 179-201 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Forestry, Foot Hills, Depleted forest, agricultural land, farmers
Abstract: Sustaining agriculture and forestry can be achieved by introducing and systematically developing Agro forestry, adopting area-specific ecological components. Himalayan Foot Hills and adjoining plains, North eastern States, western and eastern Ghats and adjoining plains and many patches of depleted forest areas and adjoining agricultural lands can be selected for such a development, not only to achieve ecological balance but also foster better understanding between tribals and farmers from plains. ENVIS centres, as nodal agencies, can collect relevant data and train the tribals and farmers in co-ordination with state science councils, state forest and agriculture departments and agriculture universities. These centres have requisite expertise in taking up such a path breaking developmental program.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 61285
Title: Documentation and Protection of Traditional Knowledge
Author: T K Mukherjee
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 157-175 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Traditional Knowledge, Bio-prospecting, Bio-piracy, Protection, IPR, Access and Benefit Sharing, Prior Informed Consent, Folklore.
Abstract: Traditional knowledge refers to knowledge systems encompassing a wide variety of areas, held by indigenous communities. These systems have significance and relevance not only to its holders but also to the rest of the humanity. The Knowledge needs to be documented and preserved to facilitate protection. Efforts are needed to develop an effective system to collect, classify and inventorize Traditional Knowledge (TK) without losing its essential native content and value. There is also a need to protect this from inappropriate use and to provide economic benefits to the holders of such knowledge. Indigenous or Traditional Knowledge has been passed from generation to generation by word of mouth that is confined to certain localities. The traditional Knowledge, which is the wisdom developed over many generations, needs to be scientifically validated and utilized for wider applications. Traditional Knowledge and its practices can play a great role in enhancing our understanding for conservation. The existing forms of intellectual property protection regimes do not adequately recognize the rights of TK holders. National-level mechanisms and legal provisions to prevent biopiracy as well as to install informed consent mechanisms to ensure reward to TK holders also require international recognition for their effective implementation and for their enforcement in other countries. In this regard, there is a need for the development of an international mechanism for protecting TK. Issues relating to protecting; recognizing and rewarding of TK associated with biological resources are very complex. The modalities for protecting TK are still emerging and evolving .The nature of entitlements and share in benefits is also a grey area. Proper documentation of associated TK could help in checking biopiracy. Documentation would facilitate tracing of indigenous communities with whom benefits of commercialization of such materials/knowledge has to be shared. It also has another clear benefit, it would check patents based on TK in the public domain that is today difficult to prevent due to lack of availability of information with patent examiners.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: : http://www.wipo.int/portal/index.html.en Subbaih S, Reaping what they sow: The basmati rice controversy and strategies for protecting Traditional Knowledge, International and Comparative Law Review, 52 (2004), 27.
Literature cited 2: Agrawal A, Mobility and control among nomadic shepherds: The case of the Raikas, Human Ecology, 21 (1993) 261-79. Thrupp L, Legitimizing local knowledge: ' Scientized Packages ' or empowerment for Third World People, In Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Implications for Agriculture and Industrial Development, edited by D Warren, J Slikkerveer and S.Titlola, (lowa State University Ames), 1989.

ID: 61284
Title: Bio-prospecting; Traditional Knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights.
Author: P.E.Rajasekharan and S.Ganeshan
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 136-154 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: IPR laws, Traditional knowledge, Innovations, Grassroots, Misrepresentations.
Abstract: Bioprospecting is big business. The potential for commercial grain is large, but so are the investment costs, with a high risk where no returns will appear. There are several kinds of bioprospecting; it covers everything from genomics to natural products research and everything in between. In the past, interested prospectors simply collected resources from source countries. The rosy periwinkle was the source of the anticancer drugs vincristine and vinblastine, sales of which have exceeded $100 million. Madagascar never received any payments for the use of these native resource (Rubin and Fish, 1994; Blum, 1993) .The creative and innovative traditions in various developing countries have been masked by historical misrepresentations by outsiders as well as by pedagogic and policy-induced blinders domestically. From an early age students, learn the major inventions made by Europeans and rightly so, but seldom they learn about grassroots or higher level inventions and innovations developed by local individuals, institutions or communities with in their respective countries. When local contributions are indeed taught, these are recalled with terminology which may generate disdain rather than respect for native genius. Many times researchers have tried to portray traditional knowledge systems as totally different and opposed to the so called modern and western knowledge systems. The application of IPR laws to traditional knowledge systems. The application of IPR laws to traditional knowledge and innovations hinges on the conceptualization of the traditional or indigenous knowledge itself. In this paper we try to review the recent developments in Bio-prospecting, Trasditional Knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Bernd Siebenhqnera., Tom Dedeurwaerdereb, Eric Broussea 2005.Introduction and overview to the special issue on biodiversity conservation, access and benefit sharing and traditional knowledge Ecological Economics 53 (2005) 439-444. Blum, E., 1993.Making biodiversity conservation profitable: a case study of the Merck/INBio agreement. Environment 35(4), 17-20, 38-45.
Literature cited 2: De Carvalho, N.P., 2003.From the Shaman ' s Hut to the Patent Office. Paper Presented at the Conference on Biodiversity, Biotechnology and the Protection of Traditional Knowledge. Washington University School of Law, Saint Louis.

ID: 61283
Title: Biodiversity of Plants in the Osun Osogbo Sacred Rainforest Groves in Southwestern Nigeria.
Author: Adebowale Biodun AREO
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 105-135 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Biodiversity, Sacred Groves, Rainforest.
Abstract: A high density of natural ecosystem exists in the Osun Osogbo forest groves which are influenced firstly by traditional and later legislative sanctions. The forest groves, now a World Heritage Site, lie within the city of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State in Nigeria. The forest has over 250 species of medicinal plants commonly used by the Yoruba people. It also supports a wide range of threatened rare animal species such as white-throated monkeys. It has repeatedly been implied that the forest is prone to danger due to urbanization and socio-economic pressures, particularly poverty, which threaten the rainforest such as poaching, logging, encroachments, and bushfires. Inventory of the biodiversity of the forest became imperative. The main aim of the inventory was to provide baseline information on the biological values of the forest groves for management, planning and monitoring, and to train local heritage staff and hunters in the biological inventory techniques and uses. The surveys were conducted in an 8-week field phases with 4 weeks each allocated to the dry and wet seasons species respectively. Vegetation plots were laid along transects of 54 (25 x 25m).Forest disturbance in Ebu-Iyamapo and Islamic school were assessed using the grid transects. Selected groups of fauna were surveyed using standard methods. No new species were discovered. Data on local distribution of endemic and threatened species have been incorporated in the management plans for the Osun forest groves. About 38 personnel including local hunters; herbalists were involved in the inventor.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Adebisi, L.A. (1999).Biodiversity Conservation and Ethnobotany of Selected Sacred Groves in Osun State, Nigeria.Ph.D.thesis (unpub) University of Ibadan. Adeniyi, I.F. (1978).Studies of Physico-Chemical Factors and the Planktonic Algae of Lake Kainji, Nigeria.Ph.D. thesis, University of life.
Literature cited 2: Afolayan, T.A. (1984).Wildlife Conservation in Ondo state. Paper presented to the National Wildlife Conservation Committee at Akure. Ajayi, S.S. (1979).Wildlife and Nigerian Forest Ecosystem. In: D.U.U.Okali (ed).State of Knowledge in the Nigerian Rainforest Ecosystem.Pp.55-68.

ID: 61282
Title: Intellectual Property Rights and Protection of Indigenous Environmental Knowledge: Evidences from India.
Author: Krishna Raj.
Editor: Dr.R.N.Pati, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Lawrence Chanza
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sarup Book Publishers PVT.LTD.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity 49-104 (2014)
Subject: Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Biodiversity
Keywords: Biodiversity, Genetic resources, Bio-piracy, Multinational Companies, Traditional knowledge, Benefit sharing, Local Communities, WTO, IPRs, Patents.
Abstract: Demand for access to biodiversity or genetic resources and associated knowledge for economic use and development has significantly increased in recent years as a consequence of obligatory implementation of international agreements like Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs).International trade, particularly flows of investment and technology under World Trade Organization (WTO), is directly linked to protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) by the member countries. IPRs are viewed economically more important as patenting activities are quietly expanding; and the researchers also increasingly perceive their implications on the state of public health, food security, biodiversity, agriculture, indigenous environmental knowledge, and international trade. On the one hand, demand for biodiversity and potential economic value of associated indigenous environmental knowledge (IEK) has greatly increased; on the other, biodiversity and IEK have been continually eroding due to underlying and proximate causes. IPRs are considered as emerging concerns for developing countries as they act as powerful means for distorting allocation of wealth created by way of commercial exploitation of genetic resources and also for securing financial benefits through expanded privatization and commodification of biodiversity and associated knowledge. The policy efforts undertaken by India seem to be inadequate in terms of strengthening IEK and nurturing of biodiversity especially post TRIPs agreement, as a consequence of growing partnership for commercial use of biodiversity and IEK by scientists, companies, governments and local communities. Commercial exploitation of biodiversity, without valuing traditional livelihoods and their indigenous environmental knowledge of millions of local communities, who directly rely on rich biodiversity of plant genetic resources for ages tantamount to impinge on their way of life. In recent years, livelihoods of indigenous people have been increasingly getting affected as the quest for ?mining of IEK and genetic resources? by multinational companies and global research institutions is penetrating deep with the aid of changes in policies and regulations especially the IPRs. While misappropriation of traditional knowledge has resulted in bio-piracy with the government exercising exclusive monopoly powers or dominant domain over biodiversity and mechanisms to protect and strengthen the collective rights of local communities over biodiversity remain weak. In this context, the present study has tried to answer above pertinent research questions with recent evidences, in terms of both theoretical and policy perspectives and also to draw policy implications for India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Alejandro Grajal. (1999).Biodiversity and the Nation State: Regulating Access to Genetic Resources Limits Biodiversity Research in Developing Countries Conservation Biology, Vol. 13, No.1 (Feb., 1999), pp. 6-10. Anuradha R.V. (2001).Bio-piracy and Traditional Knowledge in The Hindu Folio.
Literature cited 2: BDA 2003.Ministry of Law and Justice, New Delhi, 5th February 2003. Boldrin, Michele and Levine, David (2002) ?The Case Against Intellectual Property ?American Economic Review, Vol. 92, No.2.