Tribal people vanguard of conservation, says Droupadi Murmu

SHILLONG: Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal President of the country, on Tuesday observed that since time immemorial, the tribal people have been the vanguard of environmental conservation based on indigenous knowledge, culture and religious beliefs.
The President addressed a public meeting at Mawphlang Sacred Grove near here on Tuesday and also virtually inaugurated the upgraded Rongjeng Mangsang Adokgre Road and Mairang Ranigodown Azra Road and laid the foundation stones of Shillong Peak Ropeway and tourist accommodations in the villages of Kongthong, Mawlyngot and Kudengrim.
She emphasised that tribal practices can be good case studies of how there can be a symbiotic relationship between human beings and nature and stated that tribal lifestyle contributes to the promotion of national goals of bio-diversity conservation and maintaining the ecological balance.
The President highlighted the role of women in conservation and climate action efforts and said it is well-documented that women are at the heart of the conservation efforts.
“Women in tribal societies have been showing the way in protecting the environment and sharing their wisdom and skills to enhance adaptation and mitigation. By increasing the participation of women in climate initiatives and decision-making processes, more can be done for effective climate action and bio-diversity conservation,” she said.
“I am happy to meet tribal brothers and sisters of Meghalaya gathered here in large numbers. When I landed in Meghalaya, I experienced that this state is indeed uniquely blessed by Mother Nature. I have been told that the Green Meghalaya initiative has been launched through which the communities are rewarded for preserving and protecting the natural cover. I have inaugurated various connectivity related and developmental projects today. I am confident that these projects will improve connectivity and will enable Meghalaya to move ahead on the path of sustainable and inclusive development,” she said.
“We need to ensure that our heritage is not lost. Therefore, we also need to document local practices for effective conservation and management. Traditional Knowledge Digital Library is a good initiative of the government of India to protect traditional knowledge in medicines,” she said.
Earlier, Murmu interacted with members of self-help groups at Baljek Airport, Tura and also virtually laid the foundation stone of the new Integrated Administration Complex.
The President said the empowerment of women in social, economic, political and spiritual spheres is essential for the country to realise its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.