Traditionally, communities had a system of regulating (or refraining from) fishing during the spawning Class 8

Traditionally, communities had a system of regulating (or refraining from) fishing during the spawning Class 8

Traditionally, communities had a system of regulating (or refraining from) fishing during the spawning season to enable the maintenance of the fish population. However, the commercialisation of fishing resulted in over-fishing. In the case of a type of fish called tuna, for example, the rapid and extensive decline in their population led to some agreements on control of fishing. Nevertheless, this important type of fish that keeps the ocean ecosystem in balance by consuming smaller fish, shrimps, etc., is on a decline. (Page 6) Class 8

Do you know of other traditional practices that help the ecosystem to stay in balance?

Answer:

Yes, there are several traditional practices that help the ecosystem stay in balance.

1. Sacred groves: Communities protect certain forest areas for religious or cultural reasons, preserving biodiversity and allowing ecosystems to regenerate.
2. Water harvesting: Traditional methods like building check dams and step-wells help recharge groundwater and manage water sustainably.
3. Crop rotation and mixed cropping: Farmers grow different crops in a sequence or together to keep the soil healthy and avoid pesticides.
4. Ban on hunting: People avoid hunting during animal breeding season, giving wildlife a chance a reproduce. These practices are based on respect for nature and help maintain ecological balance.