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This study explores the intricate link between agroecology and sustainable food systems, centering on Meitei society in biodiverse Manipur, North-east India. Utilizing mixed methods, including interviews and surveys, we investigate how Meitei foodways, deeply rooted in cultural customs, preserve plant diversity. Our findings reveal the incorporation of 43 plant species into Meitei socio-cultural practices, enriching local gastronomy and presenting potential for gastronomy tourism. Traditional festivals emphasize the fusion of local ecological knowledge into Meitei cuisine, underscoring cultural heritage's role in biodiversity conservation. Identifying seven key rituals, our research underscores the value of biocultural approaches, guiding sustainable interventions to maintain a delicate balance between human communities and the natural world.
Pandey et al. (Sun,) studied this question.