Indigenous Sustainable Practices

Around the world, Indigenous communities have played a vital role in ecological conservation by deeply connecting with nature and implementing sustainable practices. Although often overlooked by mainstream media, Indigenous communities worldwide have played a key role in environment conservation for generations despite their ever-present battle to attain equal rights. Such practices have depleted over time due to centuries of colonization, urbanization-induced ecological destruction, and political marginalization. Society has taught people to view these communities with fear and disgust, as their practices are often seen as ‘too primitive’ for the modern world. But when the western media adopts their long-standing practices and popularizes them, they become widely accepted and are considered impressive feats for the future of sustainability. It is essential to highlight such sustainable practices that are owed to indigenous communities worldwide.

Waffle Gardens

The semi-arid, high-altitude deserts of Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico were the original home of the waffle gardens. Through this practice, the soil is shaped into little waffle-like squares, bordered with clay walls, making it an effective water-storing system making it the perfect agricultural solution for climate change induced droughts. Today, waffle gardens are suggested as an effective method to adapt to the consequences of climate change while also building food security and accessibility, making it an effective farming technique.

Sacred Groves

Moving toward the east, one can spot the sacred groves of India — a tradition so powerful and effective that it has helped in the conservation of water and biological wealth through generations. Kaavus, the local name for the sacred groves, are branded as divine and those who disturb it are said to be cursed by the Nagarajas, or snake kings. In the Meghalayas, the deities of the sacred forests are said to protect the villages and people are prevented from picking even a blade of grass.

Sustainable Schools

In neighbouring Africa, another sustainable practice is a source of pride for communities. Schools are built using a traditional method, taking inspiration from the crafts of their past, like the Swazi beehive huts. These beehive hits are sourced by naturally available raw materials and result in a sustainable design.

Conservation through Rotation

Lastly, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who live in the coastal regions in Australia, have effectively managed to protect mangrove forests for thousands of years by harvesting crabs only when they are in season and letting the area recover until the next season of harvest. Similarly, the people of Kadamakkudy in Kerala harvest prawns in the same area where the climate-resilient rice variety of Pokkali is grown, ensuring a sustainable coexistence between both flora and fauna.

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg, considering that such indigenous practices are the future of sustainability. By respecting and appreciating these age-long traditions, the peaceful harmony that exists between humans and nature can be reestablished and help move towards a sustainable lifestyle.