Mapping traditional livelihoods and biodiversity in Batim

The project is documenting biodiversity, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) systems and oral history associated with traditional livelihoods like salt panning, fishing, paddy farming, orchard farming, native plant medicine, and toddy tapping with the local community. Batim is a unique micro-cosmos of Goan ecology, characterized by its large freshwater lake, springs, lateritic plateaus, mangroves and extensive Khazan ecosystem lands, including a vast area under salt pans. These practices are repositories of site-specific environmental management. Currently, this wisdom rests solely with the village elders. As traditional occupations decline, we face an irreversible loss of living archives and a vital collective wisdom essential to address ecological challenges. It is critical to integrate these cultural perspectives into conservation work in order for it to be holistic and effective.

Documentation is done in three domains: environmental observations (changes in land-use, water quality, biodiversity), land management techniques (water management, natural construction, seasonal cycles, and changes over the years), and cultural-spiritual associations (local names and uses of flora, festivals, rituals, sacred sites, etc.). Oral traditions including songs, poems, epics, ritual chants, proverbs, sayings, etc. will also be captured.

We will organise and facilitate intergenerational knowledge exchange programs through hands-on workshops in collaboration with local schools, where youth participants will be trained in certain occupational skills and their documentation. They will act as co-researchers, pairing with elders for field walks to map traditional ecological landmarks and capture important processes involved in these occupations. This mentorship model ensures the transmission of tacit knowledge that cannot be captured in written text alone, fostering a sense of pride and stewardship among the youth.