Locals, Cultural Practices And Biodiversity- Attending The Close Links From Wetlands And Rivers

Mayanglambam Ojit Kumar Singh Assistant Professor in Zoology and Life Science Ramjas College, Delhi University

- Ojit Kumar Singh

THE mutualism between the biodiversity and the intangible ecosystem services such as the cultural and religious services are today important ways to explore the ways and the factors to sustain the development and the progress. The cultural beliefs and the associated rituals may it be for religion or the celebrations of life are very closely linked and intimately related to management and the maintenance of the ecosystems. In many uncountable ways the source of cultural practices such as food, dress, housing, family norms and rituals associated with the religions and trades are definitely derived from the biodiversity or the surrounding environment and the factors that are there in. And very interestingly it is also seen that religion in many ways also forward the conservation of natural biodiversity by providing the ethical, moral and social models for living by appreciating and respecting nature.

Wetlands such as lakes, rivers and community ponds are important integral parts of the culture and the well being of the different ethnic communities of the people. And interestingly the ways ethnic communities have been exploiting the natural resources are so sustainable; thereby paving the uncountable ways for sustaining and maintaining the resources. Many examples of the cultural uses of the habitats are still visible in many states of the Northeastern India. Let us see and explore some of these.