Integrating traditional ecological knowledge in biodiversity conservation
bridging indigenous wisdom and scientific innovation for sustainable futures
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23925/2179-3565.2026v17i1p259-277Keywords:
Biodiversity, Traditional ecological knowledge, Sustainable, Ecosystem, ReviewAbstract
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) represents community-rooted ecological wisdom and insight developed over centuries through repeated, long-term engagement with the surrounding environment. Drawing on publications from 1990–2024, this review assesses the ways how TEK support and reinforce biodiversity conservation and it interface with formal scientific practice and knowledge systems. Through a review of narrative methodology, the research delineates four dominant themes: convergence and divergence between TEK and scientific conservation, actionable integration pathways, structural and epistemic constraints, and the factors and conditions that can strengthen support for successful cross-knowledge collaboration. Findings show that TEK plays a vital role in strengthening environmental assessment, ecosystem restoration, climate-adaptive practices, and sustainable resource governance; however, structural barriers remain such as unequal power dynamics, constrained legal protection, and insufficient acknowledgement of indigenous people’s rights. In parallel, evidence from case studies demonstrates that robust TEK integration materialises in contexts and ambience where trust partners cultivate trust, engage in participatory decision-making and adhere to Free, Prior and Informed Consent arrangements. Based on the above, the study concluded that respecting TEK holders’ sovereignty and ensuring ethically grounded collaboration are essential for more just, culturally grounded and resilient conservation futures.
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