Abstract ID: 3.13002 | Not reviewed | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

The Western Ghats in India are highly sensitive ecological areas and are experiencing high vulnerability to climate change and weather extremes. Indigenous communities in this region, who live in the forests and steep terrains, have deep knowledge of their environment and have developed various adaptive practices over time. Despite their minimal contribution to global warming, these communities face disproportionate climate risks due to socio-economic marginalisation, heavy dependence on natural resources, and exclusion from decision-making processes. There is a growing recognition of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) as an important resource for disaster preparedness and climate adaptation. However, the integration of ILK into formal Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) frameworks remains limited. This paper emphasises the importance of combining ILK with modern scientific and technological innovations for resilience and adaptation. For instance, people relying on traditional water conservation methods can combine micro-irrigation systems to improve efficiency. Indigenous weather forecasting, which is based on animal behaviour, wind shifts, and seasonal changes can be supported with satellite data to enhance early warning systems. Traditional agroforestry is being combined with modern techniques like drought/submergent-resistant crops and precision farming. Community led disaster response efforts, such as building protective bunds and planning evacuations can be supported by tools like GIS mapping, AI driven flood modelling, and mobile applications for real-time updates. Afforestation and sustainable land use can help stabilise slopes, regulate water flow, and reduce environmental damage. Integrating ILK with modern scientific approaches facilitates the development of sustainable, climate-resilient communities in the Western Ghats. This kind of study offers a scalable model for other mountain ecosystems globally, demonstrating the transformative potential of bridging traditional knowledge with modern science to address the various challenges of climate change.