Need to learn about conservation of forests from tribals: President

Shahdol (MP), Nov 15: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday underlined the need to learn from tribals on the conservation of forests given the major challenges being posed by issues like climate change and global warming.
Addressing a Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme in MP’s Shahdol district, she said tribal communities had participated in India’s freedom struggle wherein different ideologies and activities played an important role.
The Centre had last year declared November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to mark the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda and remember the contribution of tribal freedom fighters.
“Today, issues of climate change and global warming have posed a major challenge to the world. There is a need to learn from the tribal lifestyle and their determination for conserving forests,” the President said addressing the event in Lalpur village.
She recalled the struggle of tribal society in conserving and protecting forest areas during British rule and added they have also sacrificed their lives for this cause. “Most of the tribal areas have been rich in forest and mineral wealth. Our tribal brothers and sisters live a life based on nature and protect nature with respect. They had fought fiercely during the British rule to protect this natural wealth from exploitation,” she said.
The President said the conservation of the forest wealth was, to a large extent, possible due to tribals’ sacrifices.
Murmu said tribal society gives equal importance to human beings and vegetation.
“In the tribal society, groups are given importance rather than individuals. Cooperative (living) is preferred instead of competition and equality over speciality,” she said. (PTI)