Indigenous Knowledge's Place in Contemporary Environmental Management

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge systems, rooted in centuries of close interaction with local ecosystems, offer valuable insights and practices for sustainable environmental management. This paper explores the critical role that Indigenous knowledge plays in addressing contemporary environmental challenges, including biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and resource management. By examining case studies from diverse regions, the study highlights how Indigenous practices—such as controlled burning, traditional land use, and ecological monitoring—complement scientific approaches and contribute to more holistic and resilient environmental strategies. Despite increasing recognition, systemic barriers such as marginalization, lack of legal recognition, and insufficient integration into policy frameworks continue to limit the effective inclusion of Indigenous perspectives. This paper advocates for equitable partnerships, co-management models, and respect for Indigenous sovereignty to ensure that traditional ecological knowledge is not only preserved but actively informs modern environmental governance. Embracing Indigenous knowledge offers a path toward more inclusive, culturally grounded, and ecologically sustainable environmental management practices.