Jodhpur, Sept. 2 -- Traditional knowledge developed by tribal and rural communities through generations of interaction with nature could offer valuable insights into environmental conservation, climate action and sustainable livelihoods, according to researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur. Dr Bhaskar Kumar Kakati, an assistant professor at the institute's School of Liberal Arts, is studying indigenous practices among tribal communities across India and rural communities in Rajasthan to examine their scientific and ecological significance. "Traditional knowledge is not simply knowledge of the past. Communities have developed these practices through generations of close interaction with nature. Our research seeks to understand their scientific and ecological value and explore how this knowledge can contribute to addressing present-day environmental and livelihood challenges," Kakati said. One part of the research focuses on tribal astronomy, including communities' understanding of stars, seasons and natural cycles. Researchers are comparing these observations with the Indian Knowledge System and have developed a glossary documenting astronomical knowledge used by tribal communities across the country. Kakati is also examining indigenous agricultural practices and rituals in Rajasthan and their links with biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. The research draws on the concept of spiritual ecology, which studies how cultural and spiritual relationships with nature influence environmental practices. The project has also involved field-based ecological restoration. At Nandiya Kalan village in Jodhpur, researchers helped develop a Nakshatra Vatika on degraded community land. The initiative combined traditional knowledge, community participation and scientific methods to restore biodiversity, conserve medicinal plants and encourage local involvement. "Conservation becomes more meaningful when local communities are active participants. Traditional knowledge, community ownership and scientific approaches can work together to restore degraded ecosystems," Kakati said....