TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE FOR MANAGING BIOSPHERE RESERVES IN SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . Edited by PS Ramakrishnan, RK Rai, RPS Katwal and S Mehndiratta . Oxford & IBH Publishing Co Pvt Ltd . 2002
For three decades, Biosphere Reserves (BRs) have helped build the knowledge, skills and attitude required for conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems. After going through all the case studies in BR in developing countries, it is concluded that more location-specific research analysis for basing BR management on a scientific footing is crucial.
The book says that appropriate institutional arrangements have to be made for people's participation, through a bottom-up approach, ensuring that each household takes part in the decision-making process. The interplay of ecology, sociology, economics, anthropology and culture is to be tied together to design meaningful biodiversity management strategies in an ecologically and socially heterogeneous environment, the book notes. Conservation-linked developmental strategies have to be based on a value system that people can perceive and participate in. This should be the basis for promoting the concept of BR in the South and Central Asian context, a region which has rich traditional knowledge and wisdom.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.