Mendha Lekha community in a meeting. It first made headlines in the early 2000s when it became the first village in India to secure community forest rights.Communities rooted in rich cultural traditions are advocating for official recognition of their customary governance systems.
These systems, often deeply tied to ecological stewardship and social cohesion, are crucial for protecting bio-cultural diversity. From Kenya’s Tharaka community to India’s Adivasi tribes, grassroots efforts are reshaping the policy landscape, emphasizing the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge into modern governance frameworks.
Customary governance systems are frameworks developed over generations, rooted in communal traditions, rituals, and unwritten codes. These systems often serve as a bridge between human activity and environmental sustainability, providing solutions to modern challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
Studies affirm the value of recognising these systems. Research published in Nature Sustainability in 2021, titled "The Role of Indigenous and Local Knowledge in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services," highlights how customary practices significantly contribute to conservation efforts.
The study notes that areas governed by indigenous communities often boast higher biodiversity levels compared to those managed under national frameworks. In Tharaka Nithi County, the community’s monthly gatherings are a testament to the resilience of cultural governance.
Organised by the Society for Alternative Learning and Transformation (SALT), these events bring together over 400 participants to celebrate their heritage. “Our culture is not just about the past; it’s about who we are and how we move forward,” said Simon Mitambo, co-founder of SALT. His work is inspired by the sacred landscapes of his childhood and a lifelong commitment to cultural preservation.
Through initiatives like the "Grandmother’s Bench," elders teach younger generations traditional skills, from crafting beaded necklaces to cooking indigenous dishes. The programme not only sustains cultural identity but also fosters intergenerational learning and unity. Communities like Tharaka are demonstrating how advocacy can catalyze policy change.
By partnering with networks like the African Biodiversity Network (ABN), SALT has amplified its voice on national and international platforms. In 2016, SALT contributed to Kenya's National Policy for the Sustainable Development of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, which recognizes the role of indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation.
This milestone followed years of engagement with policymakers, highlighting how customary practices like sustainable farming and water management could inform national strategies. In Asia, similar efforts are underway. India’s Adivasi communities, known for their intricate relationship with forests, have successfully lobbied for laws that acknowledge their governance systems. The Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 is a landmark piece of legislation that grants indigenous tribes the right to manage and conserve their ancestral lands.
According to a 2020 study published in Ecology, Economy, and Society, titled "The Impact of the Forest Rights Act on Community-led Conservation in India," areas managed under the FRA report increased forest cover and reduced deforestation rates. One notable example is the Mendha Lekha village in Maharashtra, where the community governs its forest using traditional methods.
Their success has inspired other villages to adopt similar models, strengthening the case for broader policy adoption. Policy changes recognising customary governance systems have tangible impacts on both local and national levels.
In Kenya, for instance, the inclusion of cultural governance in environmental policies has bolstered conservation efforts in arid regions. It has also empowered communities to take ownership of local resources, reducing conflicts and fostering collaboration. In India, the FRA has not only improved biodiversity but also enhanced livelihoods.
Tribal communities now have access to non-timber forest products like honey and medicinal plants, which they harvest sustainably. Despite these successes, significant challenges remain. Many customary governance systems still face marginalisation, often viewed as outdated or incompatible with modern governance.
Resistance from governments and private sectors, particularly in resource-rich regions, continues to threaten indigenous rights. Advocates emphasise the need for continued engagement with policymakers. "Recognition is not just about cultural preservation—it’s about equity and justice," said Mitambo. "It’s about acknowledging that these systems offer solutions we desperately need in today’s world."
As the Tharaka community teaches its children to weave beads and sing ancestral songs, and as Adivasi leaders negotiate forest rights, the message is clear: customary governance is not a relic of the past. It is a vital framework for addressing contemporary challenges, from climate change to social inequality.
To ensure these systems are protected and integrated into national policies, governments must adopt a participatory approach. Engaging communities, respecting their knowledge, and incorporating their voices into decision-making processes is essential.
By recognising and supporting customary governance systems, we not only preserve heritage but also unlock innovative pathways for sustainable development. As Mitambo aptly put it, "Our culture is our strength. If we lose it, we lose everything."