“If everyone used
energy and resources the same way they do in the Western World, we would need
three more earths at least. And we have only one.”-Mona Sahlin.
Sustainable Development! A widely used terminology trending after
the 1990’s in political discussions, corporate websites, institutions and civil
society organisations. It has become a kind of conceptual touchstone, gaining
popularity over the years. “Our Common Future”, given by the Brundtland Report
was one of the first report that the world witnessed the idea for Sustainable
Development since the 1980’s.
Sustainable Development Goals
came up in the year 2015 which was adopted by the United Nations calling all
member countries to come up with efficient ways in joining closely with this
Global Partnership. Such Organisations have come up with these goals to bring
about positive changes in various countries, providing they initiate their own
methods to make sure that these goals are met.
Easier said than done?
Countries have adopted their own
methods in order to achieve these goals. They are left to the State government
of various countries to look into the matter and adopt goals that are in sync
with the aims. The Policy making process especially when it comes to
sustainable development may have happened in paper but we do not see the actual
goals achieved. With this idea in mind I have searched instead the various
methodologies adopted by the local villages of Meghalaya which in their own
capacity have adopted means to ensure sustainability though they have no idea
of this worldly concept, but have implemented strategies that are eco friendly.
A story from the Scotland of the East:
Let me introduce you the village of Mawhiang, which is about 50km away from the Shillong City. This village is located near Mawsynram which receives rainfall throughout the summer and even during the winter. With most of their forests being utilised for their daily survival it has come to a point where they are losing their forests and the produce which had sustained them for decades. The people of this community realised that the climate has changed rapidly over time and the humidity level is on the rise. The Panchayat called for an immediate Darbar to address the issue and come up with plans and solutions to tackle this problem since it was witnessed that their agricultural fields are becoming dry and lies barren with no habitation. Their paddy fields are addicted to pesticides every year because of the deterioration of soil health. The community have called stakeholders to address the issue also pressing that the solution should not be done through technical procedures again, since the government have adopted means earlier through the use of urea to control pests. They have made a strict deal instead to implement procedures that are friendly and efficient taking high consideration on the soil health, since most of their livelihood activities are based on agricultural production. Earlier these decisions were made by the stakeholders mainly government officials which imposed on them the various ideas. But this time, they have asked the officials to let the community be part of the decision making process as their traditional values should be followed after witnessing the repercussions.
The Strategy:
The community have simplified the
strategy instead for the stakeholders and wanted them to take forward this
strategy to other villages too. The solution was “Tree Plantation.” It did sound a little mundane at first
because this was not a new strategy and people have been doing it everywhere.
But the community spoke differently on tree plantation. One of the village elders said “You all will probably laugh at
us for calling this meeting regarding tree plantation which is not a new topic,
but let me tell you, most of the tree plantation that happened, half of the
trees died because we only celebrate the idea and not critically analyse what
kinds of trees to plant, method of plantation and what benefits they can
provide/improve both on production, environment and soil health.” Their main idea was making sure there
is comprehensiveness in their strategy. With the help of the stakeholders, it
was possible by bringing in the method of plantation through the Bio-Dynamic
Calendar, a calendar that gives a holistic, ecological and ethical approach to
farming gardening, food and nutrition.
Our future generations are relying on us to ensure that there are resources for
them and instil in their minds to use resources judiciously.
Incorporating Science and Traditional Knowledge
Teaching students the importance
of traditional knowledge and not relying on science always is the main motive
they are trying to achieve because these two can do wonders when clubbed
together in the right ways. To take forward the tree plantation, selection of
samples was the most crucial step. Without having much to rely on scientific
knowledge, the community decided on taking the tree samples prevalent within
the community. After selecting the samples, it was found that there trees with
nitrogen fixation properties which will enrich the soil with fast growing
leguminous trees were selected because they can improve soil health and release
a huge amount of oxygen, followed by Alder trees which has the similar kinds of
properties. Alongside these trees, the community have initiated the a action of
incorporating fruit trees on the periphery of the hill especially banana trees
since they are known for sucking the toxins out of the soil and improves water
content in the soil.
Conclusion:
In conclusion we can say that
both Science and Technology can do wonders when incorporated in a friendly
manner. We cannot afford to leave behind Traditional Knowledge because these
can be tested concepts which can be adopted when found effective. This is one
particular community that have made an example to other communities as
well to not rely on the government
agencies but to take that step forward in identifying the resources within the
community. This activity I would say, it has been implemented in the most
exceptional way, since the main target was mobilising school children and
youths. They even took this step of planting fruit trees even in the school
premises to supplement the Midday Meal Scheme besides relying heavily on the Scheme.
By:
Jennifer
Suchiang
Post Graduate- Tata institute of Social
Sciences, Guwahati
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