Traditional-Ecological Knowledge in sustainable Development among Pashtuns: A Socio-cultural and Historical Perspective of Swat, Pakistan
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Tully 1
| Tuesday, July 28, 2026 |
| 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM |
Speaker
Dr Imran Ali
University of Haripur
Traditional-Ecological Knowledge in sustainable Development among Pashtuns: A Socio-cultural and Historical Perspective of Swat, Pakistan
ISE Congress 2026 Abstract
As sustainability defines our environmental future, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is increasingly vital. This study evaluates Pashtun Traditional Ecological Knowledge (PTEK) in Pakistan’s Swat Valley, focusing on its role in sustainable environmental practices and cultural preservation. The region, rooted in centuries-old Pashtun traditions, reflects deeply embedded environmental ethics. PTEK spans agriculture, livestock care, forestry, water stewardship, ecosystem conservation, and socio-cultural preservation.
The study’s objectives are threefold: to identify the core attributes of PTEK; assess its intergenerational transmission; and evaluate its relevance to current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A socio-scientific and historical approach is employed to examine how these practices can be preserved, academically integrated, and adapted for contemporary ecological needs.
Due to the difficulty of accessing authentic data, the study adopts a mixed-methods strategy. Primary data was collected via in-depth interviews with 105 randomly selected residents (15 from each of seven tehsils), equally split between male and female participants aged 30 or above. Secondary sources provided context and historical insights into PTEK's role in Swat Valley.
Participants highlighted a clear shift: prior to the 1990s, PTEK was widely used in agriculture, forestry, and water management. However, after 2000, technological change diminished its use and perceived value. Many practices are now either obsolete or significantly transformed. Thematic analysis, based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework, revealed concerns that, without formal transmission methods, PTEK could disappear within a decade.
Despite this decline, PTEK remains strongly aligned with several SDGs: Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 14 (Life Below Water), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). These insights suggest PTEK offers crucial, culturally grounded strategies for environmental sustainability and warrants urgent preservation.
The study’s objectives are threefold: to identify the core attributes of PTEK; assess its intergenerational transmission; and evaluate its relevance to current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A socio-scientific and historical approach is employed to examine how these practices can be preserved, academically integrated, and adapted for contemporary ecological needs.
Due to the difficulty of accessing authentic data, the study adopts a mixed-methods strategy. Primary data was collected via in-depth interviews with 105 randomly selected residents (15 from each of seven tehsils), equally split between male and female participants aged 30 or above. Secondary sources provided context and historical insights into PTEK's role in Swat Valley.
Participants highlighted a clear shift: prior to the 1990s, PTEK was widely used in agriculture, forestry, and water management. However, after 2000, technological change diminished its use and perceived value. Many practices are now either obsolete or significantly transformed. Thematic analysis, based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework, revealed concerns that, without formal transmission methods, PTEK could disappear within a decade.
Despite this decline, PTEK remains strongly aligned with several SDGs: Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 14 (Life Below Water), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). These insights suggest PTEK offers crucial, culturally grounded strategies for environmental sustainability and warrants urgent preservation.
Biography
I am an Assistant Professor of Gender and Environmental Literature. My research focuses on violence against gendered and environmental entities, both in literature and in society. I have participated in academic programs at several prestigious institutions around the world, including UC Berkeley, Oxford, and Cambridge, for various research purposes. In essence, my work explores the intersecting themes of gender and environmental justice.
