Ecofeminism and the Biodiversity-Climate Nexus in India: Gendered Perspectives on Environmental Justice and Sustainability

Ecofeminism and the Biodiversity-Climate Nexus in India: Gendered Perspectives on Environmental Justice and Sustainability

Rahul Mahamuni

Department of Conservation of Biodiversity, Gopinathrao Munde National Institute of Rural Development and Research- A Constitute Institute of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Abstract: In India, the intertwined challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change are deeply influenced by socio-economic and gendered inequalities. This paper explores the application of ecofeminism in understanding and addressing the biodiversity-climate nexus in the Indian context. By examining the role of women, particularly those in rural and indigenous communities, the paper highlights how eco-feminist principles can contribute to more equitable and sustainable environmental policies. Case studies of grassroots movements and community-led initiatives illustrate the critical role of gendered knowledge and leadership in promoting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. The study argues that integrating ecofeminism into environmental governance is essential for achieving both ecological sustainability and social justice in India.

Introduction: India, a country rich in biodiversity and cultural diversity, faces significant environmental challenges due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and climate change. The impacts of these changes are not uniformly distributed; they disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly women in rural and indigenous areas. These women, often the primary caretakers of natural resources, bear the brunt of environmental degradation while also playing a critical role in conservation and sustainable practices.

Ecofeminism, a movement that links ecological concerns with feminist perspectives, offers a valuable framework for understanding the complex relationship between gender, environment, and development in India. Rooted in the belief that the exploitation of nature and the oppression of women are interconnected, ecofeminism calls for a rethinking of environmental policies and practices through a gender-sensitive lens. In the Indian context, where traditional knowledge systems and gender roles are deeply intertwined with natural resource management, ecofeminism provides insights into how sustainable development can be achieved through inclusive and equitable approaches.

This paper explores the relevance of ecofeminism in addressing the biodiversity-climate nexus in India. It examines how gendered experiences and knowledge can inform more effective and just environmental strategies. Through an analysis of case studies from across the country, the paper highlights the critical role of women in promoting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. It also discusses the potential for eco-feminist principles to transform environmental governance in India, advocating for policies that recognize and empower the contributions of women in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.

Review of Literature: The intersection of gender, environment, and development has been a focal point in both feminist and ecological studies for decades. The eco-feminist framework, which emerged in the late 20th century, has provided a critical lens through which to explore these intersections, particularly in the context of the Global South, including India.