Volume VI Special Issue VI September 2026

Name of Author : Dr K Muthulakshmi

Title of the paper : Echoes of the Earth: Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Indigenous Oral Traditions and Its significance to Sustainable Development

Abstract: Traditional Ecological Knowledge TEK represents the rich environmental wisdom that Indigenous communities have developed through centuries of living in close harmony with nature. This knowledge is passed down orally through stories, myths, songs, folktales, proverbs, rituals, and other cultural practices, reflecting a deep considerate of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the sustainable resource management. This review paper examines how these oral traditions assist as valuable sources of ecological knowledge and examines their importance in addressing present environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable development. Drawing on standpoints from Indigenous Studies, Environmental Humanities, Ecocriticism, and Cultural Studies, the paper focuses on the corresponding relationship between Traditional Ecological Knowledge and modern scientific approaches to conservation. It highlights that acknowledging indigenous knowledge systems as living cultural heritage can support sustainable development, improve environmental policies, and encourage inclusive decision making. Ultimately, preserving indigenous oral traditions is dynamic for protecting both cultural identity and ecological sustainability for upcoming generations.

Keywords : Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Indigenous Oral Traditions, Ecocriticism, Sustainable Development, Environmental Humanities.

DOI :

Page Number : 327-333