INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS: UNTAPPED POTENTIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN INDIA

Abstract

India, with its diverse geography and over 700 recognized indigenous communities, holds an immense repository of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). These systems, developed over millennia, provide local solutions for environmental management, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation. Yet, IKS remain underutilized in national development and climate policies. This paper examines the role of indigenous knowledge in India’s sustainable development and climate resilience efforts. By analyzing case studies, challenges, and potential integration strategies, this research highlights the untapped potential of IKS and calls for inclusive policy frameworks to leverage this resource for a resilient future.