Paper short abstract:

The paper explores the role of native communities as keepers of traditional knowledge and its importance in bridging the gaps in documented and published bioregional and environmental history, that is crucial for sustainable planning & development.

Paper long abstract:

The people/ communities living in an area for generations usually understand the lay of the land, local climate, seasonal changes, nature of soil etc., very well since their daily lives are closely linked to it. Historically, in rural and urban settings, people have witnessed patterns of nature around them and developed practices and rituals in response. This is particularly evident in geographies considered relatively resource-parched (in the conventional sense), such as the deserts, as communities judiciously harness the natural conditions and limited resources for sustenance.

Consequently, though unconsciously, native communities become the keepers of this knowledge. However, in due course, the basis for the observation is often lost, and only the practices remain. Revisiting these practices and scientifically deciphering the basis provides valuable insights into the bioregional/environmental history of the places/ sites/ regions. This information can be crucial in the sustainable planning of developmental and infrastructure projects for the areas. It also bridges the gaps in documented and published bioregional and environmental history.

Based on primary research and exploratory fieldwork, the author seeks to share a system of existence in Thar Desert, India, that is shaped by the community’s understanding of environmental history, context, resources available, transformation and constraints, which should be the bedrock of any new development/ infrastructure projects or conservation efforts proposed for meaningful restoration of these ecoregions. Threatened by large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects, Thar eco-region also showcases the native communities' efforts, anchored in their beliefs and traditional practices, in resisting the unsustainable development here.