The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh is home to various indigenous communities, each with their own unique eco-cosmology and worldview. However, rapid population growth, industrialization, and land-use change have put pressure on the environment and the traditional ways of life of these communities. This paper explores the intersections of eco-cosmology, indigenous worldviews, and sustainable development in CHT. Using a mixed-methods approach, including interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys, we examine the traditional systems of land use and management of the indigenous communities, and how they can be integrated into modern practices. We also investigate the impacts of external factors such as population growth, industrialization, and land-use change on the environment and the communities, as well as the challenges and opportunities for co-creating sustainable development initiatives with the indigenous communities.
The findings suggest that the indigenous communities in CHT have a deep connection to their environment, and their eco-cosmology and worldview play a significant role in their land use and management practices. However, external factors have disrupted these traditional systems, leading to environmental degradation and social issues. Incorporating the indigenous knowledge and practices into modern land-use planning and management can lead to more sustainable and equitable development outcomes.
The paper concludes with recommendations for co-creating sustainable development initiatives with the indigenous communities, including the need for participatory and collaborative approaches that address power imbalances and incorporate the diverse perspectives of the community members. We also emphasize the importance of recognizing and valuing the indigenous knowledge and practices, and providing opportunities for the communities to maintain and transmit their traditions to future generations. Overall, this paper contributes to the growing body of literature on the integration of indigenous knowledge into sustainable development, and highlights the importance of cultural connections in achieving ecological and social resilience in the CHT of Bangladesh.
