The Impact of Environmental Changes on Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Practices

Authors-Assistant Professor Pooja Negi, Rasearch Scholar Rajnesh Rana

Abstract- Environmental changes have widespread effects on human societies, particularly on indigenous tribes who depend on their environment, ecosystems, and natural resources for livelihood and cultural traditions. This research paper investigates the impact of environmental changes on indigenous knowledge and cultural practices, focusing on how changing environmental conditions and other environmental factors are influencing accumulated ecological knowledge and indigenous cultural practices. The study also explores how indigenous tribes are adapting to environmental changes, including modifications in their traditional beliefs and practices. Additionally, it examines the issues arising from environmental changes in indigenous or local knowledge and cultural traditions, such as loss of biodiversity, disruption of cultural heritage, threats to social and economic welfare, impacts on living standards, and cultural heritage. According to the study, the effects of environmental changes present both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, indigenous people are becoming more progressive and creative due to environmental changes, developing new approaches to resource management and conservation in response to changing conditions. On the other hand, environmental changes are also weakening the resilience of indigenous people, posing a threat to their cultural heritage and social welfare. The study provides a positive perspective on understanding the effects of environmental changes on indigenous knowledge and cultural practices, highlighting the need for policies and practices to enhance the adaptive capacity of indigenous communities and protect their cultural heritage and human rights.