At the “Tribal Practices and Forest Conservation” session of The Earth Again Conference, speakers emphasized the deep connection between tribal communities and forests.
Mrs. Swapnasree Sarangi,General Manager, FES highlighted the need to view tribal relationships with forests through a new lens, as forests form their economic, cultural, and political identity.
Mr. Gladson Dungdung, Human Rights Activist and Researcher spoke on tribal coexistence with nature, contrasting their need-based practices with the greed-driven urbanization. He called for vigilance in protecting forests and emphasized tribal farming that promotes biodiversity.
Mr. Gangaram Parika, President, Chaupal Gramin Vikas Prashikshan Evam Shodh Sansthan noted that Adivasis already practice forest conservation genuinely, not for show.
The session concluded with a collective call for respecting existing knowledge systems, preventing unnecessary destruction, and moving from dialogue to action.