IHRDI Journal of Sustainable Development

Integrating Traditional and Modern Medicine for Sustainable Wellbeing

Anurag Chourasia — 2024-06-30

The pursuit of sustainable wellbeing in healthcare necessitates a holistic approach that blends the wisdom of traditional healing practices with the advancements of modern medicine. This conference paper explores the integration of traditional and modern medical approaches as a strategic framework for achieving sustainable health outcomes. Traditional medicine, deeply rooted in cultural and historical contexts, offers a rich repository of knowledge and practices that have sustained communities for centuries. The paper examines the potential synergies between traditional healing methods and modern medical interventions to create a comprehensive healthcare system. By fostering a collaborative relationship between traditional healers and modern healthcare professionals, we can harness the strengths of both systems to address the complex health challenges of our time. The paper delves into case studies and examples where the integration of traditional and modern medicine has shown promising results. It discusses how combining the personalized, patient-centric focus of traditional medicine with the technological advancements and evidence-based practices of modern medicine can enhance overall patient care. Additionally, it explores the role of community engagement and empowerment in fostering acceptance and seamless integration of these diverse healthcare modalities. Furthermore, the paper addresses the challenges and ethical considerations associated with this integration, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, respect for indigenous knowledge, and the need for rigorous scientific validation. This paper advocates for a paradigm shift in healthcare that embraces the amalgamation of traditional and modern medicine to promote sustainable wellbeing. It emphasizes the potential for increased efficacy, accessibility, and cultural relevance in healthcare practices when these two approaches collaborate. Through this integration, we can pave the way for a more resilient and holistic healthcare system that prioritizes the diverse needs of individuals and communities, contributing to the long-term sustainability of global health and wellbeing.

The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Sustainable Health Practices

Rashmi Tyagi — 2024-06-30

Indigenous knowledge, rooted in the profound wisdom of diverse cultures around the world, holds immense potential for shaping sustainable health practices. This conference paper explores the multifaceted contributions of indigenous knowledge systems to the field of healthcare, highlighting their intrinsic connections to culture, environment, and spirituality. Indigenous communities have developed holistic approaches to health and wellbeing that extend beyond conventional medical paradigms. These approaches integrate age-old practices, passed down through generations, reflecting an intricate understanding of the interconnectedness between individuals, communities, and the environment. By exploring traditional healing methods, ethno medicine, and community-based healthcare systems, this paper seeks to unveil the rich tapestry of indigenous knowledge and its relevance in contemporary health promotion. The integration of indigenous knowledge into mainstream healthcare systems presents an opportunity to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of health practices. Case studies from various regions will be examined, showcasing successful examples where the incorporation of indigenous wisdom has not only preserved cultural heritage but has also led to improved health outcomes. The paper will emphasize the importance of respectful collaboration, acknowledging the expertise of indigenous communities and fostering partnerships that empower rather than marginalize. Furthermore, this paper will discuss the potential impact of indigenous knowledge on preventive care, wellness promotion, and community resilience. It will explore the intricate relationships between cultural practices, environmental sustainability, and overall health, providing insights into how indigenous perspectives can inform global health agendas.

This paper advocates for a paradigm shift in healthcare towards a more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and sustainable approach. By recognizing and integrating indigenous knowledge, we have the opportunity to cultivate a healthcare system that not only respects the diversity of cultures but also harnesses the collective wisdom of humanity for the betterment of global health.

Renewable Energy As a Catalyst for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Sanya Chaddha — 2024-06-30

The United Nations General Assembly has developed 17 SDGs to undo damage and impose discipline among the energy guzzling countries. Renewable energy sources seem to be the answer to many issues raised by the SDGs. But, how do renewable energy help to achieve the sustainable goals? At this stage, it is important to critically examine the reach and impact on each of the goals. This paper attempts to understand the issues involved, present a critical assessment and provide an overview that can suggest ways and means of fulfilling the objectives set up by the SDGs.

Perception Concepts of Beneficiaries for Strengthening the Livelihood Options While Developing Resilience to Climate Change - A Case Study of DFID Project in in Himachal Pradesh

G R Sahibi — 2024-06-30

To study and analyze the perception of beneficiary households for strengthening the livelihood options while developing resilience to climate change a study was carried out in two Panchayats ( Naineti & Kathlibharan) of rural areas of HP. Forest Department of HP acted as a facilitator and coordinated with other line departments through VFDC and GDST to execute various components of the project in the field. “with” and “without” approach was used for analyzing the impact of project intervention. Multistage purposive cum random sampling techniques were used for selecting villages and households. Two panchayats adjoining these selected panchayats having similar agro-climatic conditions were also selected to draw a sample of beneficiaries for each village to act as the control. Data analysis worked out in percentage suggests that higher literacy rate, family size and land holding among the beneficiary households has played a significant role in their perception of the Strengthening the livelihood options for sustainable economic growth, productive employment and protection of Environment which they found as quite effective in solving their conflicts, increase in farm income, reduction in dependency on forests by growing plantations of fuel, fodder and timber on their own land. Participation in Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercise though low, reflects that people take longer time to come out of inertia and understand the projects benefits at the planning stage. Beneficiary households found that rural development activities with Incentives have helped them to adopt PFM approach. Improvement in infra structures has been quite effective to take their produce directly to the market yard to get some better prices. Incentives provided under the project have certainly triggered a thought-provoking process towards their participation which provided a support to sustain their lively hood and generate income to improve socio-economic profile. Sensitivity of beneficiary households towards forest offences has further helped in restocking the forests and use of forests and other natural resources on sustainable basis. Use of LPG/ Gober gas in place of fuel wood is a step towards carbon sequestration from the environment on the one hand while reducing the burden on the forest for the extraction of fuel wood –a step to mitigate the effects of climate change. Meeting of fodder requirements occasionally from own land and stall feeding has certainly reduced the biotic pressure on the forest land as a result trampling of young shoots of plant species due to open grazing could be reasonably avoided.