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Women Barefoot Ecologists bridge ancestral knowledge with modern science to protect their ecosystems

Representative Name: Bhavya George

Year: 2022

Country:

India

Topics:

BiodiversityCapacity-BuildingCommunity EducationDecision MakingGovernanceHealthy Ecosystems

Region:

Asia-Pacific

Description of the project:

Women Barefoot Ecologists are 20 indigenous women from Tamil Nādu and Kerala who have strengthened their capacities to link Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with modern scientific methods to observe and monitor climate impacts on their forests, rivers, and farms. Practical observation with village elders as well as data collection and analysis – using digital modelling – enable local women groups to lead appropriate and adapted climate and conservation actions in their communities. Supported by Keystone Foundation, they have launched forest nurseries, community kitchen gardens, water source protection initiatives, and soon to come: a seed keeping social enterprise.

Climate impact

Unique combination of ancestral and modern science to
document climate impacts identifying and monitoring specific ecological indicators.
Innovative climate solutions – analog forestry with model plots, seed banks – are created and utilised.
Promotion of autonomous ecosystem restoration and food sovereignty.

Gender impact

Indigenous women are recognized as knowledge bearers
and climate action leaders.
Trainings on Women Environmental Human Right Defenders.
Gender integration in the governance and management of
protected areas.

Scalability / replicability

Partnered with the International Analog Forestry Network (IAFN) to promote local engagement and showcase climate resilient farming methods.
Creation of a locally owned enterprise for seed keeping.
Capacity building model for indigenous and local communities: forest nurseries, nature education, community kitchen gardens, water conservation activities.

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