Strengthen Climate Resilience Through Traditional Knowledge: President Murmu
President calls for people-centric climate action, sustainable afforestation and community participation
GG News Bureau
NEW DELHI, 21st Sept: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday called for strengthening climate resilience through people-centric and community-based adaptation approaches rooted in traditional knowledge. She made the remarks while addressing the valedictory session of the International Conference on ‘The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics’, organised by the National Green Tribunal in New Delhi.
The President said climate change is having serious repercussions for food security, health and livelihoods, while stressing that an effective response requires a well-structured framework involving governments, legal experts and communities affected by climate impacts.
She emphasised the need for special sensitivity towards rural and forest-dwelling communities, small farmers, women and other vulnerable groups, who are often disproportionately affected by natural disasters.
Murmu highlighted the role of traditional knowledge systems and the lived experiences of local communities in strengthening climate adaptation. She called for approaches that combine traditional knowledge with modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, remote sensing, biotechnology and predictive models.
On afforestation, the President said the objective should go beyond simply planting trees and focus on restoring healthy and self-sustaining ecosystems while promoting biodiversity and adapting efforts to local conditions.
She also said developing countries need to strengthen climate resilience without compromising their development trajectory. Climate commitments, she added, should remain aligned with national development needs and economic aspirations while being technically feasible.
Highlighting public participation, Murmu referred to the government’s Mission LiFE initiative and said community ownership can contribute significantly to ecological restoration.
The President appreciated the National Green Tribunal for bringing together experts, judges, jurists and stakeholders from different countries. She expressed confidence that the conference’s deliberations would contribute to building climate-resilient societies through inclusive policies and effective action.
