Traditional Practice and Biodiversity Conservation in the Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand

Ch; ra Pal Singh

Traditional Practice and Biodiversity Conservation in the Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand

Chandra Pal Singh^*

Department of Zoology, Government College of Churiyala Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India

*Corresponding Author:: Chandra Pal Singh
Department of Zoology,
Government College of Churiyala Haridwar,
Uttarakhand,
India;
Email: cpsingh26feb@gmail.com

Received: January 06, 2020, Manuscript No. ABS-23-3168; Editor assigned: January 09, 2020, PreQC No. ABS-23-3168(PQ); Reviewed: January 23, 2020, QC No. ABS-23-3168; Revised: October 18, 2023, Manuscript No. ABS-23-3168(R); Published: November 15, 2023, DOI: 10.36648/2348-1927.11.5.103

Citation: Singh CP (2023) Traditional Practice and Biodiversity Conservation in the Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand. Ann Bio Sci Vol.11 No.5:103.

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Abstract

Man and nature are both closely related each other. Traditional practice and socio-religious beliefs have played an important role in the conservation of biodiversity in Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Traditional knowledge has been of immense help in the preservation of water resources as well as the forest which are vital for sustaining life in these areas. The man is not using nature for sustainability, he is exploiting it only for the purpose of today. The present study deals focus on the religious beliefs and traditional practices which are prevalent in the Himalayan region and encouraged to presence the biodiversity. It is the symbiotic relationship between conservation and sustainable development of human life.

Keywords

Conservation; Traditional knowledgebase system; Sacred forest; Himalayan region

Introduction

In traditional societies, sustainable natural resource management is driven by the beliefs and behaviors of human communities, and local cultures are strengthened by their intimate connections to the natural environment that sustains them. Our modern world is often poorer for the scientific rationalism that treats objective and sacred knowledge as separate spheres, while traditional cultures do not make such distinctions.

The idea that indigenous people and some other small societies are exemplary conservation is its gain widespread recognition in popular media as well as academic circles [1]. Smith, et al. Sustainable development is impossible without preserving the nature or the biodiversity and cultural practice help in conserving the biodiversity. Pathak, et al. sustainable natural resource management is driven by beliefs and behaviors of human communities and local culture are strengthened by their intimate connections to the natural environment that sustains them [2]. The close relationship with nature reflects in all their socio-cultural activities, religious beliefs and superstitions.

Most of these directly or indirectly concentration preservation of forest, water bodies etc. which play a vital role in their lives [3].

Description

The knowledge based system methodology for acquisition of local ecological knowledge suggested by walker, et al. and Sinclair and Walker was adopted. The knowledge was collected through focused interviews with information beings sought from the location of sacred natural sites [4]. Traditional practices and socio-religious beliefs have played important role in the conservation of biodiversity in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. There are many tradition which give the message to save the ecosystem [5]. There are following major natural resources which sustain life in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand are:

Harela: Harela is celebration on the first day of shravan. Ten days before the due date, seed of either five or seven kinds of grain are mixed together and shown in pots inside the room. Using a small baskets filled with mud. The showing is done either by the head of family [6]. Harela is the symbol of greenery and prosperity .The earth receives the maximum rain fall in the month of shravan. Harela falls in this month and gives the message to plant more and more trees for ecosustainability that can fulfill the need of our population [7].

Sacred forest: Sacred forest are the forest patches conserved by the local people intertwined with their socio-cultural and religious practices, Anthwal, et al. [8]. There are many natural objects which are considered sacred such as rivers, (Ganga, Yamuna) mountain peak (Nanda Devi, Om) and forest. Forest are dedicated to temples. Temple of specific god. Main trees found in these forests are Peepal, Deodar. It is a technique of conserving nature by religious faith [9].

Naula bhetna (Worship the water resources): On the occasion of marriage ceremony when bride comes to her in-law home first time she worship the water source [10]. It is a kind of environmental conservation by tradition [11].

Water bodies or kunds: Water bodies serve a very important role as these are source of drinking water for the people and help sustaining the flora and fauna in Himalayan region [12].

These water bodies or kunds like the sacred groves, shelter various endangered species [13].

Conclusion

This must involve the revitalization and enforcement of traditional education, delineation of protective boundaries, improvement of relevant ecological knowledge and official legal recognition of these factors. Our traditional practice give us the message to conserve the environment. When we move with tradition and environment we can make the sustainability of our natural environment.