Indigenous people play a large role in sustaining the earth as guardians of critical habitats and natural resources. Ancient and intimate links of traditional societies to
water have given rise to important cultural values relevant to
conservation and wise use of it, which have been recognized in the diverse cosmologies of different civilizations and cultures throughout history. Its reflection can be found in social practices and the traditional forms of social organization for managing water resources. We have a rich heritage of worshipping our rivers. Every year more than one million Hindu pilgrims travel to Benares to renew themselves in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. In addition to the spiritual dimension of water resources, they can also be of considerable socio-economic importance, since they can be used as a
resource for sustainable tourism and recreational activities and, through them, contribute to an increase of income and quality of life for the inhabitants nearby. Cultural perspectives provide a rich arena in which we examine
management issues. Understanding and identifying cultural practices may be an important first step in collaborative resource management between different cultural groups.
culture, including religion, clearly influences how people perceive and manage a natural resource such as water. In fact, without understanding and considering the cultural aspects of water problems, no sustainable solution can be found.