Challenges facing traditional healing practices among Bastar tribals: A focus on conservation efforts

This paper explores the challenges confronting traditional healing practices among the Bastar Tribals, emphasizing the intricate relationship between these practices and conservation efforts. The Bastar region, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, relies heavily on indigenous medicinal knowledge passed down through generations. However, globalization, deforestation, and modernization threaten these traditional healing practices. This study highlights the need for integrating conservation strategies with the preservation of indigenous healing knowledge to ensure the sustainability of both biodiversity and cultural practices. Through qualitative analyses, interviews, and field observations, the research illustrates the resilience of Bastar Tribals in the face of these challenges while proposing actionable frameworks for protecting their traditional healing systems and the ecosystems they depend on.