The National Biodiversity Authority has released a new set of rules to manage sharing of benefits generated through the use of biological resources. The Biological Diversity (Access to biological Resources and Knowledge Associated thereto and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits) Regulation 2025 was approved by the Central government and …
Increasing frequency and intensity of earthquakes has renewed the urgency in improving the preparedness and in making the infrastructure earthquake-resistant. Sikkim, a northeastern Indian Himalayan state, was hit by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake of intensity VII on 18 September 2011, which triggered hundreds of boulder falls and landslides, causing extensive …
This article provides an account of the research journey, including some detours, towards the destination of several innovative projects, evidence based Ayurveda and global acceptance of integrative medicine.
In the present study an indigenous biopesticide formulation (BPF) comprising easily accessible botanicals along with cow urine, was evaluated for its efficacy against insect pests of tomato crop under field. BPF gave promising results in controlling tomato fruit borers and afforded substantial yield of the produce. The BPF treatment could …
Since centuries, the handicraft industry is running successfully in Kashmir. Among handicrafts, shawl industry has gained popularity all over the world for the way these shawls are being prepared. Shawl making in Kashmir is an age old practice overe which the artisans have expertise themselves over generations. In this paper, …
This study examined the role of indigenous knowledge in climate change adaptation in Uganda with specific focus on the Teso sub-region. Specifically, the study identified indigenous knowledge practices used in climate change adaptation, documented indigenous knowledge in climate observation, and identified constraints to indigenous knowledge use for climate change adaptation.
The traditional water harvesting system that existed decades ago in various Indian states is as relevant today as it was then and perhaps even more. Present day India is no stranger to nature’s fury like floods, drought, famine and hurricanes, and it would be well to learn from the old …
In Uttarakhand Himalaya traditional agriculture is the mere way to meet the subsistence needs of the local farming communities. In traditional system of agriculture, local seed material of traditional crop varieties plays an important role for crop production. In such a situation, the protection of seed material and its conservation …
This publication presents 15 case studies solicited by ICIMOD during the International Year of Biodiversity 2010. ICIMOD called for case studies from the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region on initiatives dealing with mountain biodiversity, with a focus on success stories. Twenty-eight case studies were received from most countries in the …
Rural common property resources represent the historically evolved institutional arrangements made by communities in dry regions (in the present case) to guard against the vulnerabilities and risks created by the biophysical and environmental circumstances characteristic of these areas. Despite their valuable contributions, CPRS are faced with decline in terms of …
Sacred groves are traditionally managed forest patches of palaeo-endemics, which are conserved due to religious beliefs and represent climax vegetation. Sometimes these groves have higher richness and regeneration of medicinal and other economic plants than other reserve forests. (Correspondence) Original Source
Cinnamon bug or seed bug, Ochrophora (= Udonga) montana (Distant) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a serious pest of bamboo, feeds on developing seeds and is able to destroy all available seeds during massive outbreaks. Nevertheless, its outbreaks are occasional and were recently (2011) witnessed in Karanataka. Interestingly, periodic outbreaks of O. …
A decade ago, Chandra Pradhani, a Paraja tribal of Nuaguda village in Kundra block of Odisha's Koraput district, would migrate to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to earn a living as a brick kiln worker. He no longer does this. Today, he is feted by the nation. He was one of the …
One of the most urgent challenges facing the world today is ensuring local water security under rapid climate variability and change. This is of particular importance in a country like India, where over half of the people are involved in farming, and agricultural losses due to climate change are estimated …
Initiatives and innovations promoted by Keystone Foundation have helped promote bee keeping amongst farmers and tribal communities around the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The impacts are visible in terms of better yields in coffee, mango and vegetable crops.
Restoring traditional water structures hold key to making the region water secure. Read More - http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/kathmandu-valley-losing-its-ancient-water-wisdom
The conservation and sustainable use of Bhutan’s biodiversity through securing the economic, social and spiritual wellbeing of the Bhutanese people. The National ABS policy covers the utilization of Bhutanese genetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with biological resources when used for commercial and/or research purposes. This policy excludes biological resources …
The demands of traditional Asian medicine (TAM) don't just pose a threat to the survival of tigers and rhinos (Nature 480, S101–S103; 2011). Numerous smaller species are also at risk, as a result of being traded in large volumes. (Correspondence)