Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Sustainable Water Management:

Indigenous Practices in India

Abstract

Indigenous communities in India have developed sophisticated water management practices that have sustained their livelihoods and ecosystems for centuries. This paper explores how traditional ecological knowledge systems contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly relevant SDGs focusing on water management (SDG 6), sustainable communities (SDG 11), and climate action (SDG 13). Focusing on case studies such as the Zabo system in Nagaland and the Kul system in Himachal Pradesh, the paper examines how these practices offer sustainable alternatives to contemporary water management challenges. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology, we argue that these indigenous practices can be vital in addressing water scarcity, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy integration and community based approaches to preserve and utilize this traditional knowledge for broader environmental governance and sustainable development.