Community Empowerment Through IPR: Enhancing Economic Opportunities for Tribal Communities in Maharashtra

Indigenous knowledge in Maharashtra from Warli painting to traditional uses of wild plants and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is both a cultural asset and an economic opportunity for tribal communities. Appropriately designed intellectual property rights (IPR) tools like Geographical Indications, collective trademarks, defensive documentation, and benefit-sharing contracts; can protect these resources from misappropriation while creating sustainable livelihoods. This case study examines four Maharashtra examples for Warli art; documentation of tribal botanical knowledge in Jawhar/Palghar; NTFP livelihood studies to draw lessons about how IPR and community-centered approaches can contribute to Viksit Bharat by empowering tribal communities economically and socially.