Examine the uniqueness of Tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems.

Tribal Knowledge is the sum of all the knowledge and capabilities of all the people. It helps them in guiding the relations among human, non-human, and other-than human beings in specific ecosystems.

Uniqueness of Tribal Knowledge:

1. Mainstream knowledge is based on research and scientific evidence while preserving the environment, but tribal knowledge is based on religious tenets of ecological awareness and sacred ecology through instructive narratives and dynamic interactions with local environments.

2. The traces of Mainstream knowledge can be found in Books, manuscripts while traces of Tribal knowledge are found in songs, dance etc. Example Sarhul festival to mark the beginning of Spring season.

3. Tribal Knowledge has shown to the world that agriculture can be sustainable without inflicting irreparable damage on the forest. E.g.: Soliga tribe in Karnataka and Tribes in North East India.

4. Mainstream knowledge believes on pesticides to control invasive species while Tribals (e.g.: Soligas) believe that controlled ground fire is good for control of invasive species.

5. Mainstream knowledge looks at the environment as landscape while Tribals worship trees and flowers as they believe that God and Goddesses reside in them.

6. Mainstream Knowledge uses modern medicines to cure diseases while Tribal Knowledge necessitates the use of several plants for combating disease from centuries and are found wide acceptance in traditional medicinal use. E.g.: Haldi for wound healing.

Constant interaction and mutual dependence between traditional and mainstream knowledge is the only way out to achieve the Sustainable development goals and a better world to live that is inclusive, and sustainable.