Recently, the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York was organized.
Key Highlights of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development
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Focus on Indigenous Solutions
- Indigenous Contributions: The forum highlighted how indigenous communities in Rajasthan, India, provide valuable solutions for global challenges like climate change.
- Global Engagement: Experts highlighted the need to involve indigenous communities in creating sustainable development strategies.
- Traditional Practices: A representative from Rajasthan shared how tribal traditions help protect the environment and promote sustainability.
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High Level Political Forum
- HLPF is a major body for overseeing and guiding UN policies related to sustainable development.
- Establishment: It was formed in 2013.
- Objective: it aims to review progress on the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
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Call to Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Forum Theme: The theme was “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises.”
- Ministerial Declaration: A call for renewed efforts to achieve the SDGs, which focus on tackling poverty, inequality, and environmental issues.
- Commitment to Inclusivity: The UN emphasized the need to ensure that no one is left behind in the implementation of SDGs.
- Examples of Successful Practices
- Seed Preservation: Tribes in Rajasthan have maintained indigenous seed varieties, enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience.
- Agricultural Techniques: Practices like mixed cropping and using uncultivated foods improve food security and self-sufficiency.
- Community Empowerment: These methods help communities remain resilient during tough times.
- Water Conservation: Techniques to conserve water at the source.
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Overall Message
- Indigenous Knowledge: The forum showcased the potential of indigenous practices to address global issues and support the achievement of SDGs.
- Need for Collaboration: Greater collaboration and recognition of indigenous communities are essential for a sustainable future.
What Are Indigenous Practices?
- Indigenous practices involve knowledge, skills, and techniques that have been handed down through generations within a specific community or culture.
- Cultural Connection: These practices are deeply connected to the local environment and resources.
Impacts and Benefits
- Crisis Response: Indigenous practices help address global crises like climate change, economic inequality, and environmental degradation.
- Sustainable Solutions: Tribal methods based on principles of sovereignty contribute to self-sufficiency, better agricultural practices, and enhanced food and livelihood security.
- Empowerment: Initiatives on seed sovereignty, soil sovereignty, and water conservation have empowered tribal communities to tackle critical challenges collectively.
- Gender Equality and Human Rights : When aligned with human rights, indigenous cultural practices and values can promote gender equality and respect for human rights.
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Status of Tribal Communities in India
Demographic Status
- Population Share: Tribal communities make up about 8.9% of India’s population.
- Particularly Vulnerable Groups: Approximately 2.6 million (2.5%) are part of “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups” (PVTGs), also known as Primitive Tribes, who are the most disadvantaged among Scheduled Tribes.
- Geographical Distribution: Tribes are spread across various states, with significant populations in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, the Northeast Region (NER), and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Cultural Status
- Rich Heritage: Tribal communities have unique cultures, languages, and traditions.
- Connection to Nature: They rely on forests and hills for their livelihood and maintain a close relationship with nature.
- Distinct Practices: They have their own beliefs and practices related to health, education, religion, and governance.
Constitutional and Statutory Provisions
- Recognition: Some tribal communities are recognized as Scheduled Tribes (STs) under Article 342 of the Indian Constitution.
- Special Provisions: They receive special protections and provisions for their social, economic, educational, and political development.
- Legal Safeguards: Their rights are protected by laws like the 5th and 6th Scheduled Areas, the Forest Rights Act 2006, and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) 1996.
- Political Representation: They have reserved seats in Parliament and State Legislatures.
- Historical Achievement: Draupadi Murmu is India’s first tribal President.
Developmental Status
- Challenges: Tribal communities face significant challenges including poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, poor health, and limited employment opportunities.
- Development Gaps: They lag behind the national average in areas like income, education, health, sanitation, and gender equality.
- Discrimination and Exploitation: They often face discrimination, exploitation, displacement, and violence, with limited access to resources and opportunities for empowerment.
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July 23, 2024