Local Insights Crucial for Climate Resilience: Experts Highlight at Jharkhand Conference

Local perspectives and indigenous knowledge are essential for sustainable development and resilience against climate change in Jharkhand. Key stakeholders discussed decentralised governance and the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions at the Conference of Panchayats. The local communities, especially tribal groups, were highlighted for their climate resilience practices.

Integrating local perspectives and indigenous knowledge into state policies is critical for fostering sustainable development and resilience against climate-induced challenges, a senior Jharkhand government official emphasized on Tuesday.

Jharkhand, heavily reliant on agriculture, natural resources, and mining, faces significant climate change and energy transition impacts. Vandana Dadel, Principal Secretary, Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, stressed the need for strengthened decentralised governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions.

The dialogues at the Conference of Panchayats (CoP) in Ranchi emphasized the importance of local communities, particularly tribal groups, in demonstrating climate resilience and highlighted the necessity of reinforcing such efforts. Representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions showcased how indigenous knowledge and community-driven initiatives are critical in adapting to climate change.

(With inputs from agencies.)