Indigenous knowledge of the 'Bawalis' residing in the Sundarbans Delta: Survival strategy, resilience and adaptation to climate change driven from Antarctica

• Published in: SSRN Electronic Journal
• Main Author: Md Mizanur, Rahman
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: Zenodo 2023
• Subjects: Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4596402

Near 3 million 'Bawalis’ (woodcutters) live in the Sundarbans Delta of Bangladesh and they live on the natural resources of the mangrove. The nomenclature of ‘Bawalis’ was derived from ‘Bauls’ (spiritual protector) and they ask the help of ‘Bauls’ for protection against natural hazards. The ‘Bawalis’ live an isolated life away from the mainstream. Their traditional knowledge acquired over the generations in adaptation to climate change is not well documented. The study attempted to do so in a scientific manner. This empirical study utilized only primary data. The ‘Bawalis' believe that the holy forests can protect the people from natural calamities. They also believe that God washes the forest twice a day and maintains its sanctity through tidal inundation. Clear felling and destruction of the natural regenerations are heinous sins. God allows only the extraction of non-wood products from the mangrove forests. True worship of the mangrove can only save the community from the sea level rise, tidal surges, tropical cyclones and other calamities. It is revealed that their beliefs and traditional knowledge are in line with SDG-13 and SDG-15. The study advocates for linking their knowledge with everyday science and acceptance by researchers and policymakers. Proper documentation, promotion, nurturing, and mainstreaming of their knowledge in national plans, roadmaps, strategies and policies are necessary through continuous research and development.