Guardians of the Green: Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and Environmental Conservation Practices among Santhal Tribes of Santhal Pargana

This comprehensive study examined the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) systems of the Santhal tribes in the Santhal Pargana region and their critical role in environmental conservation. Through a qualitative synthesis approach, this study documents five key domains of Santhal TEK: sacred grove stewardship, medicinal ethnobotany, agroecology, livestock management, and customary governance. The findings reveal that Santhal-managed landscapes demonstrate significant biodiversity conservation outcomes comparable to the global patterns observed in indigenous-managed territories. This study analyzes the statutory frameworks affecting Santhal forest governance, including the Forest Rights Act (2006) and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (1996), while identifying implementation challenges and opportunities. This study proposes integrated conservation strategies that incorporate Santhal TEK into contemporary environmental management frameworks, emphasizing the dual benefits of ecological resilience and cultural preservation. This study contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for the recognition and integration of indigenous knowledge systems in global conservation efforts, demonstrating how traditional practices can inform sustainable resource management and enhance biodiversity conservation outcomes.