Publication Type : Journal Article
Publisher : Springer Nature Switzerland
Source : World Sustainability Series
Url : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-05795-2_9
Campus : Kochi
School : School of Medicine
Year : 2026
Abstract : Spirituality and sustainability offer transformative solutions for addressing the pressing challenges of sustainable development, including biodiversity loss, climate change, health inequities, and social disparities. This paper explores how integrating spiritual traditions with sustainable practices provides a framework for achieving United Nations SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The government of India established a Tribal Center of Excellence at a leading private university in Kerala, India. The center works on scalable healthcare strategies, including training community health workers and incorporating indigenous and Ayurvedic practices to enhance access and equity, supporting SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Additionally, it documents the revival of indigenous food systems and nutrition education to combat malnutrition and promote sustainability, aligning with SDG 2 and SDG 12. The study also presents replicable models, such as Rural Nutrition Centers and climate-resilient agricultural practices, addressing global challenges in alignment with SDG 13. Finally, the paper advocates for integrating tribal practices into policies to enhance biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation, ensuring sustainable development that respects cultural values and supports underserved communities worldwide.
Cite this Research Publication : Prema Nedungadi, P. R. Janci Rani, Radhika Menon, S. Aswathy, Chandrashekar Janakiram, Akshay Iyer, Raghu Raman, Interweaving Spirituality and Sustainability: Indigenous Pathways to Transformation in India’s Tribal Communities, World Sustainability Series, Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-05795-2_9