Ecology, Religion, and Indigenous Stewardship: Understanding Sustainable Resource Management of North East Indian Indigenous Communities

North East India harbors unique Indigenous cultural identities intertwined with diverse biodiversity, encompassing a myriad of plant and animal species, and livelihoods intricately linked to ecological dynamics. The native communities of this region have been stewards of their natural resources for centuries, integrating their religious beliefs and spiritual practices to exercise sustainable resource management. This paper seeks to investigate the existing approaches to effective management of resources for long-term sustainability as practiced by the North East Indian Indigenous communities, with an emphasis on the cultural aspects embedded in their religious practices. By examining various conservation processes and management strategies developed by the native groups of North East India, the paper highlights the strategic measures adopted by these communities, including the use of religious knowledge and practices in conserving plant and animal species, sacred groves, and the environment as a whole.