Cultural Influences on Health, Traditions and Ecology

Abstract

The chapter looks into rural ecology and its implications for people’s lives and environmental conservation. It examines the inter-linkages between ecology and cultural traditions followed by people in their day-to-day life with implications for climate change. It also explains how traditional knowledge has all along played a vital role in maintaining the health of people through rituals and festivals, using medicinal plants. In order to understand the above, information on the natural resources, cultural traditions and ancestral knowledge was collected through focused group discussions, and informal talks mainly with knowledgeable local elders and women. Based on the study, it was clear that the cultural practice of worshiping nature has enriched their health, local culture and traditions, which have helped conserve natural resources and medicinal plants, in turn, captures the dimension that culture plays a key role in reducing climate change impacts.