This book highlights the different ways of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) practices that conserve natural resources sustainably. Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), along with synonymous or closely related terms like indigenous knowledge and native science, originates in the literature on international development and adaptive management. Against the backdrop of unprecedented global degradation and reduction in ecosystem services with impacts on human well-being over the last 50 years, there is a growing interest in the role of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) practices and systems of local communities in ensuring the sustainable utilization and management of resources. In this context, this book comprehensively analyzes the important aspects of natural resources in Asia. This book covers a detailed study of the different aspects of natural resources. It is divided into three sections, which deal with varying dimensions of indigenous ecological knowledge of resource management in Asia. The first part reflects upon the concept of traditional ecological knowledge, the second part analyzes the systematic documentation of TEK practices, and the third part deals with policy for governance. This book critically describes and explains the indigenous knowledge about resource management. This book is the ideal text for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholars in India and abroad. This book is designed in such a manner that it covers all the aspects of natural resources. It also helps the administrator and policymakers use indigenous knowledge in resource management.
Prof. Suresh Chand Rai is Professor and Chair of the Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. He did his Master's in Geography (1979) and Doctor of Philosophy (1984) from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. His significant contributions are in the field of land and water resource management. His work has been outstanding in the Integrated Watershed Management in the Sikkim Himalaya and has been recognized through the Soil and Water Conservation Society of USA, Award, 1999. The extensive studies made by Prof. Rai on various aspects of mountain hydrology have not only helped in understanding the structure and function of the systems but also in finding out means of how to make the system sustainable. He has published more than 100 research papers in various impact factor/peer-reviewed journals and books (h-index-19). Since 2010, he is serving as Secretary General of the National Association of Geographers, India (NAGI), the largest society of Geographers in India. Prof. Rai is elected Vice-President of the Asian Geographers Association, Beijing, P. R. China (2019-23).
Dr. Prabuddh Kumar Mishra is Assistant Professor (Sr. Scale) in the Department of Geography Shivaji College, University of Delhi. He has done M.A., M. Phil and Doctorate in Geography from Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. His research expertise includes natural resource management, watershed management, mountain studies, disaster management and livelihood-related issues. He has published 20 research papers, 4 books and 7 chapters in edited books (Scopus h index 4). He has been engaged in various environmental education programmes for schools and colleges.
