Indigenous People as Custodians of Biodiversity

As the planet faces an escalating biodiversity crisis, global conservation policies are coming under intense scrutiny for excluding Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) from decision-making processes and land rights.
The dominant “fortress conservation” model rooted in colonial frameworks continues to displace millions, criminalise traditional forest dwellers, and undermine sustainable, community-led environmental stewardship.

Current Status of IPLCs in India

IPLCs refer to culturally distinct groups with ancestral links to specific territories and natural ecosystems.

Recognition in India

While “indigenous peoples” is not a constitutional term, Scheduled Tribes (STs) functionally represent IPLCs.
5^th & 6^th Schedules, Articles 244 & 244A ensure legal and administrative autonomy in tribal regions.
PESA (1996) and FRA (2006) empower Gram Sabhas for local self-governance and forest management.

IPLCs and Biodiversity: A Symbiotic Relationship

Dimension	Examples	Contribution
Custodians of Ecosystems	Dongria Kondh in Niyamgiri Hills	Protected biodiversity-rich habitats from mining
Traditional Knowledge Systems	Apatanis of Arunachal – Paddy-Fish Farming	Integrated agro-aquaculture conserves water and soil
Cultural Norms as Conservation Tools	Khasi Sacred Groves (Law Kyntang)	Biodiversity hotspots preserved through religious beliefs
Community-led Forest Management	Mendha Lekha Village (Maharashtra)	CFR-based participatory forest governance
Sustainable Land Use	Angami Tribe’s Alder-Jhum	Soil-enriching shifting cultivation promotes biodiversity

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Legal and International Frameworks Supporting IPLCs

Global Commitments

UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples): Recognises IPLCs’ rights to land, culture, and self-determined development; emphasises free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC).
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Article 8(j) promotes respect for traditional knowledge and equitable benefit-sharing with IPLCs.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022): Advocates the “30×30” goal—protecting 30% of lands and oceans by 2030—with inclusive conservation involving IPLCs.

Indian Legal Safeguards

Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Recognises individual and community forest rights, empowering forest dwellers in biodiversity governance.
PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act), 1996: Enables Gram Sabha control in tribal areas, ensuring local community consent in resource decisions.
Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Mandates local biodiversity registers and BMCs, ensuring IPLCs’ participation in conservation and benefit-sharing.

Successful IPLCs-led Conservation Models in India

Mawphlang Sacred Grove (Meghalaya): Conserved through deep-rooted spiritual beliefs; serves as a natural seed bank and biodiversity reservoir.
Mendha Lekha CFR Management (Maharashtra): Forest sustainably managed by the Gram Sabha under the principle of self-rule and collective decision-making.
Apatani Wetland Zoning (Arunachal Pradesh): This initiative implements traditional agro-ecological zoning, integrating wet rice cultivation and fish farming with forest protection.
Bishnoi Community (Rajasthan): Religiously motivated conservation of wildlife and trees, especially blackbuck and Khejri, dating back to the 15^th century.

Challenges Faced by IPLCs in Conservation

Insecure Land Tenure: Only 16% of eligible Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights under the Forest Rights Act have been granted, leaving IPLCs vulnerable to land loss.
Development vs. Indigenous Rights: Mining, dams, and infrastructure projects often encroach on tribal lands without adhering to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), undermining ethical protections.
Displacement from Conservation Zones: “Fortress conservation” models that exclude human presence have led to eviction of communities from reserves like Achanakmar (Chhattisgarh) & Similipal (Odisha).
Loss of Traditional Knowledge: Migration, assimilation, and changing livelihoods are eroding the transfer of traditional ecological knowledge vital for sustainable conservation.
Limited Representation in Governance: IPLCs are underrepresented in policymaking, leading to interventions that overlook local context.

Way Forward

Legal Empowerment and Tenure Security: Accelerate CFR rights recognition under FRA; harmonize forest and wildlife laws with tribal rights.
Community-led Governance: Institutionalise Gram Sabhas and eco-development committees in biodiversity management.
Inclusive Conservation Frameworks: Shift from exclusionary to rights-based models aligned with GBF and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science: Encourage participatory biodiversity inventories, ethno-botanical research, and inclusive climate resilience planning.
Capacity Building and Livelihood Support: Invest in eco-tourism, forest-based enterprises, and biodiversity funds directed at IPLCs.

The IPLCs are not just passive inhabitants of forests—they are active stewards, knowledge holders, and cultural guardians of India’s ecological wealth. Recognising and empowering their role is both a conservation imperative and a constitutional obligation. Moving from exclusionary models to collaborative conservation will be crucial in ensuring a biodiversity-rich, equitable, and sustainable future for generations to come.

Reference: The Hindu

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 189

Q. Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) are crucial guardians of biodiversity. What is the role of IPLCs in biodiversity conservation, and suggest a legal and policy framework to empower IPLCs. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

Introduction: Write briefly about the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) and mention their vital role in conserving biodiversity.
Body: Highlight the key role of IPLCs in biodiversity conservation and outline the legal and policy framework to empower IPLCs.
Conclusion: Write a conclusion, highlighting the need for a comprehensive legal and policy framework.