MAN AND ENVIRONMENT

This program transcends disciplinary boundaries, delving into the complex interrelationships between environment, population, and society in Assam and Northeast India. We move beyond mere descriptions, instead employing holistic anthropological methods to analyze the intricate interplay between environmental problems like population pressures, pollution, poverty, and natural hazards (earthquakes, floods, landslides), and the traditional indigenous communities navigating the pressures of economic development.

Deciphering the Population-Environment Puzzle:

Our research delves into the demographic dynamics of the region, analyzing how population growth, resource utilization, and environmental degradation are intertwined. We'll employ innovative tools like geospatial mapping, demographic surveys, and social network analysis to understand the spatial distribution of populations, resource inequalities, and migration patterns, informing sustainable development strategies.

Unveiling the Pollution Labyrinth:

From industrial effluents to agricultural runoff, we'll shed light on the diverse sources and consequences of environmental pollution in the region. Our research will employ biophysical and ethnographic methods to map pollution hotspots, analyze community perceptions of contamination, and investigate the social impacts of environmental degradation on vulnerable populations.

Poverty and the Environment: A Vicious Cycle:

We'll delve into the entanglements between poverty and environmental vulnerability. Using participatory action research and qualitative interviews, we'll understand how resource dependence, livelihood patterns, and social exclusion exacerbate the impacts of environmental hazards and pollution on marginalized communities. Our research will inform interventions that foster both environmental resilience and economic empowerment.

Nature's Wrath: Understanding and Adapting to Natural Hazards:

Earthquakes, floods, and landslides are a grim reality in the region. Our program will employ ethnographic and risk assessment methodologies to understand how indigenous communities perceive and adapt to these natural hazards. We'll analyze traditional knowledge systems for disaster preparedness and resilience, informing scientific efforts and policy interventions.

Traditional Wisdom in a Modern World:

Indigenous communities in Assam and Northeast India hold a wealth of traditional ecological knowledge accumulated over generations. We'll collaborate with these communities using participatory research methods to document and integrate their knowledge of resource management, sustainable practices, and disaster mitigation into conservation and development strategies.

The Development Dilemma:

Economic development often comes at the cost of environmental degradation and social displacement. Our program will employ critical anthropological frameworks to analyze the social and environmental impacts of development projects in the region. We'll advocate for inclusive development models that prioritize ecological sustainability and community well-being.

Empowering the Next Generation:

We believe that fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious anthropologists is crucial for the future of the region. Therefore, we will:

• Establish field research stations and community-based learning centers where students can acquire firsthand experience of the human-environment nexus.

• Develop immersive educational programs that combine rigorous anthropological methods with traditional ecological knowledge, equipping students to analyze and address environmental challenges.

• Provide mentorship and research opportunities for young anthropologists to collaborate with communities and contribute to real-world solutions.

Through rigorous research, community engagement, and policy advocacy, this program will:

• Generate robust knowledge on the intricate relationships between environment, population, and society, informing sustainable development strategies and environmental policies.

• Empower communities to manage their resources sustainably, adapt to environmental challenges, and participate in inclusive development processes.

• Bridge the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and scientific understanding, fostering collaborative solutions for a resilient future.

By unveiling the human-environment nexus in Assam and Northeast India, this program aspires to create a future where communities thrive in harmony with nature, balancing economic development with environmental sustainability and social justice.

For more details, contact:

General Secretary, SEPER