Indigenous Environmental Knowledge and Sustainable Development: A Study among Higher Education Institutions of Gujarat

Indigenous Environmental Knowledge (IEK) represents a cumulative body of wisdom, practices, and belief systems developed by indigenous and local communities through long-term interaction with their natural environment. In the contemporary era of ecological degradation and climate change, IEK offers sustainable, context-specific solutions aligned with global sustainable development goals. The present study explores the relevance, awareness, and application of Indigenous Environmental Knowledge in promoting sustainable development among students of Higher Education Institutions in Gujarat. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 358 respondents across Children’s Research University, Gandhinagar; Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat; Gujarat University, Ahmedabad; and Saurashtra University. The findings indicate moderate awareness but limited practical integration of IEK in academic and daily practices. The study emphasizes the need to integrate indigenous wisdom into higher education curricula, environmental policies, and youth-led sustainability initiatives to achieve holistic and inclusive sustainable development.