Blending Tradition and Science for Global Conservation: India’s Approach

During a significant international forum at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, India championed an environmental conservation model deeply rooted in cultural heritage and supported by scientific evidence. The nation conveyed that living in harmony with nature and preserving resources are long-standing principles embedded within Indian traditions, predating modern concepts of sustainability and climate change. The ‘Mission LiFE’ initiative, a global call for mindful consumption and environmental responsibility, was presented as a testament to this philosophy, aiming to transform individual and institutional actions. India’s approach prioritizes the integration of traditional ecological knowledge with scientific methodologies, viewing them as mutually beneficial rather than competing. This is exemplified by indigenous forecasting techniques for monsoons and cyclones, as well as historical water conservation systems like stepwells. To further bolster biodiversity protection, India launched its National Red List Assessment initiative, a comprehensive project designed to meticulously document and assess the extinction risk of thousands of plant and animal species across the country, contributing vital data to global conservation efforts.