ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the ecological view has tremendous significance to chart out a distinct strategy of redefining the realm of governance, the resilience of community, and the promise of ecological citizenship. It explains why the resolution of ecological conflicts requires self-governance for the communities who are most affected by the lack of governing power. Agro-ecology basically means doing agriculture according to ecological designs and principles. While agro-ecological identity of ecological ethnicities is emerging, we are also witnessing equally strong resurgence of demands for political autonomy and governance. Recognizing ecological ethnicities as equal citizens in India is therefore basically about different arrangement, rather than integrating them into the mainstream as if they were second-class citizens or they were protected within the welfare schemes of the State. Ecological ethnicities are coming into focus today because of the biocultural diversities they nurture.
