Indigenous Knowledge and Practices of Forest and Riverine Dependent Communities in Gosaba C.D. Block of Indian Sundarbans
Swarup Majhi Gope
The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, West Bengal, India.
Tapas Mistri
*
The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, West Bengal, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigates the traditional ecological knowledge and practices of forest- and river-dependent communities in the Gosaba Community Development Block of the Indian Sundarbans, India. It examines how indigenous knowledge systems contribute to sustainable livelihood practices and environmental resource management amid increasing ecological and socio-economic challenges. The study specifically considers traditional practices associated with fishing, crab catching and honey collection, showing how these practices have been shaped by generations of interaction with the local ecosystem. The research was conducted across six villages, namely Kumirmari, Chargheri, Pakhiralay, Dayapur, Anpur and Satjelia, where qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions involving 97 participants. The number of participants from each village was 15 from Kumirmari, 17 from Chargheri, 16 from Pakhiralay, 15 from Dayapur, 16 from Anpur and 18 from Satjelia. Using a narrative-based qualitative research approach, the study documents local experiences, perceptions and adaptive strategies related to the use and management of forest and aquatic resources. The findings indicate that traditional ecological knowledge and practices, including fishing, honey collection and crab catching, are dynamic, adaptive and deeply embedded in community life. These practices play an important role in supporting sustainable resource utilisation, strengthening community resilience and conserving biodiversity within the fragile ecosystem of the Indian Sundarbans. The study further emphasises that integrating indigenous knowledge into formal environmental management and policy frameworks can support more inclusive and sustainable development strategies. Overall, the research highlights the importance of recognising, documenting and preserving traditional ecological knowledge as a valuable resource for addressing climate change, environmental degradation and livelihood insecurity in the region.
Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, Indian Sundarbans, traditional ecological knowledge, forest-dependent communities, riverine livelihoods, fishing practices, crab catching, honey collection, sustainable resource management, community resilience