Paper short abstract:

The use of Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Development has been acknowledged worldwide. Attempts are being made to preserve indigenous knowledge for the future generations not only as a subject of cultural heritage but these knowledge also provide traditional environment management techniques which are key to sustainable development.

Paper long abstract:

Arunachal Pradesh which is the north-easternmost state of India is home to as many as 29 major tribes and more than hundred sub-tribes. The tribes have their own cultural identities and dialects which present a unique scenario of unity in diversity in North-East India.

This paper deals with the Galo tribe, one of the prominent tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The Galos have a rich repository of indigenous knowledge which is passed orally from generations to generations. This indigenous or traditional knowledge of the Galos are undocumented.

This paper presents a brief introduction to the many aspects of indigenous knowledge of the Galo tribe and how the indigenous knowledge as practiced by them not only contributes towards sustainable living but also helps to reduce the negative impact on the environment. It examines the relevance of indigenous system of the Galos for sustainable living.

Due to the advent of modern ways of life there is an erosion of the Indigenous Knowledge of the Galos which is a matter of grave concern. Thus the main aim of this paper is to document some of the important indigenous knowledge of the Galos before these practices get swept away be the tide of modernity.