Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
UPSC focuses on tribal welfare, social justice, the implementation of key acts like FRA, and the role of traditional knowledge in sustainable development. Understanding TEK and indigenous rights is vital for addressing human-wildlife coexistence and equitable conservation policies.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) refers to the cumulative body of knowledge, practices, and beliefs about the relationship of living beings (including humans) with their environment, which is handed down through generations by cultural transmission. Its recognition and integration into modern conservation strategies, alongside the statutory rights of indigenous communities, are crucial for effective and equitable environmental governance.