Indigenous environmental ethos of the Khasi

The condition of the environment exerts profound influences on human existence and developmental processes. Indeed, environmental circumstances have consistently exhibited dynamism, evolving across temporal and spatial dimensions. Moreover, the unprecedented escalation of human population, coupled with unsustainable economic advancement, the absence of a robust environmental governance framework, and insufficient political commitment, has culminated in a distressing rate of environmental degradation. Consequently, an effective environmental governance structure that encompasses the participation of all stakeholders is imperative and essential for the conservation and management of the environment. A key feature of the environmental governance system in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya is the important role of local traditional institutions, along with government systems. This paper endeavors to analyze the environmental ethos, governance practices, initiatives implemented, and issues faced by the traditional institution of clanship in the preservation of the sacred and protected forests in the Eastern West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.