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This chapter presents an integrated ethnographic and ecological account of the Shillim landscape in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, focusing on how cultural practices, community knowledge, and ecological restoration intersect. Drawing on field-based insights from two primary studies, the work explores the role of sacred groves, forest foods, traditional songs, and medicinal plant usage in sustaining biodiversity and supporting Katkari tribal livelihoods. Seasonal diets, wild edibles, and plant-based remedies are mapped to demonstrate how biocultural memory is embedded in ecological rhythms and ritual practices. Restoration work has brought back forest habitats and keystone species such as the Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica). It has improved regional food security, cultural sustenance, and built ecosystem resilience. These vital outcomes support Sustainable Development Goals such as zero hunger (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), life on land (SDG 15), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). These outcomes highlight the importance of ecological restoration aligned with cultural practices that further help both nature and people to thrive and coexist, as well as in achieving sustainability goals.

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Ecological Music of Shillim Forest: Sacred Groves, Wild Edibles, and Medicinal Traditions in Restored Landscapes

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Aditya Petwal,
  • Aditi Deshpande,
  • Karen Desouza

摘要

This chapter presents an integrated ethnographic and ecological account of the Shillim landscape in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, focusing on how cultural practices, community knowledge, and ecological restoration intersect. Drawing on field-based insights from two primary studies, the work explores the role of sacred groves, forest foods, traditional songs, and medicinal plant usage in sustaining biodiversity and supporting Katkari tribal livelihoods. Seasonal diets, wild edibles, and plant-based remedies are mapped to demonstrate how biocultural memory is embedded in ecological rhythms and ritual practices. Restoration work has brought back forest habitats and keystone species such as the Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica). It has improved regional food security, cultural sustenance, and built ecosystem resilience. These vital outcomes support Sustainable Development Goals such as zero hunger (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), life on land (SDG 15), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). These outcomes highlight the importance of ecological restoration aligned with cultural practices that further help both nature and people to thrive and coexist, as well as in achieving sustainability goals.