Traditional Ecological Knowledge Must Merge With Modern Science To Tackle Environmental Challenges, Say Experts

Mumbai: Traditional ecological knowledge must be integrated with modern science and technology to address contemporary environmental challenges, experts said at an international conference organised by S.I.W.S. N. R. Swamy College of Commerce and Economics and Smt. Thirumalai College of Science, Wadala.

Experts discuss ecological sustainability

The two-day conference, titled ‘Eco-Wisdom: Traditional Knowledge for Ecological Sustainability’, was held on August 21 and 22 at Gokul Hall, Sion East. It was the fourth consecutive international conference hosted by the institutions.

The inaugural session was attended by S.I.W.S. Chairman R. Radhakrishnan, Vice-Chairman V. Rangaraj and Principal Manali Londhe. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Shankar Abhyankar, president of Aditya Pratishthan, Pune, who stressed the need to revive and preserve indigenous ecological practices.

The first day featured plenary sessions, panel discussions and technical presentations, with 19 faculty members and student researchers presenting their work. Discussions focused on reviving indigenous knowledge systems and integrating long-term scientific, economic and management principles with contemporary sustainability practices.

Global experts discuss indigenous knowledge

A session on reviving traditional indigenous knowledge systems featured Dr Petros Golitsis, Associate Professor of Economics and Econometrics, University of York Europe Campus, Greece; Dr Anand Datar, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Gaurangdarshan Das, author and educator; and Prof Shubhada Joshi, University of Mumbai.

A panel on integrating holistic principles with modern approaches featured Dr Leslie Szamosi, Dean, School of Business, University of York Europe Campus, Greece; Dr Archil Magalashvili, Professor of Geology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia; and Dr Abhishek Satam, PRO, Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, Mumbai.

Technology and tradition discussed on second day

The second day examined opportunities arising from combining traditional knowledge with modern technology. Aurovinda Ganguly, Project Manager, L&T Construction, and Dr Sanjay Oak, former Dean of Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, discussed sustainable construction and traditional medical wisdom.

Fourteen research presentations covered indigenous eco-entrepreneurship, sustainable clothing, traditional food and health, water management, solar energy and ecological conservation.

At the valedictory session, Additional Director General of Police, Force One, Krishna Prakash, urged participants to translate research into actionable environmental practices.

To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/