Symbiotic Co-existence of Man-biodiversity: A Case Study of Ao-Naga Tribe of Nagaland

Abstract

Mokokchung district of Nagaland is situated at 93°53΄ to 94°53΄ E longitude and 25°56΄ to 27°40΄ N latitude has a total geographical area of 1,615 km² with 28966.47 ha under forest coverage (Basic Facts, 2011). Mokokchung district has disparate physical features and an aged old tradition and social frame that evince man-environmental symbiotic continuum for the past many centuries. Biodiversity- the most indispensable gift of nature is not only the most valuable life supporting natural resources for the people of Nagaland but it forms the core fabric of their socio cultural, economic and spiritual lives of the Ao-Naga tribe. Centuries of symbiotic co-existence of Man-Biodiversity among the Ao-Nagas suggest a deep rooted understanding of the nature, its ethos, traditional knowledge and spirituality on the natural environment that surrounds them. This paper attempts some pragmatic approach for sustainable management and conservation of Biodiversity basing on the Ao-Naga experience.