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Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Concepts and Cases
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Although knowledge is the foundation of social life, the sociology of knowledge , and particularly its transmission between or among generations, remains a neglected field. This is extraordinary in view of the fundamental socio-cultural importance of the process. ...
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... Therefore, to focus on the knowledge of indigenous peoples and to avoid ongoing debates about what constitutes "traditional," this knowledge is often referred to as "Indigenous Ecological Knowledge." When ecological knowledge is broadly defined to include the understanding of relationships between living beings and their environments, TEK becomes a practical and meaningful concept (Inglis, 1993). Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) can play a vital role in the conservation of freshwater mussels. ...
... The importance of integrating TEK with SEK, as emphasized by Inglis (1993), is clearly demonstrated in our study. The local ecological knowledge captured in our surveys provides insights into mussel habitats and population dynamics that may not be readily apparent through conventional scientific methods alone. ...
Freshwater mussels are vital components of aquatic ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Despite their importance, freshwater mussels face numerous threats globally. This study evaluates the awareness and ecological knowledge of local populations regarding freshwater mussels in three distinct regions of Turkey: the Central Black Sea, Northeastern Anatolia, and Eastern Anatolia. A total of 164 face-to-face interviews were conducted between 2022 and 2024 using a stratified cluster sampling design. The study aimed to assess knowledge about both native and non-native mussel species and analyze the factors influencing this knowledge. Results showed that 83.53% of participants were aware of freshwater mussels, with significant variations based on demographic factors such as gender, age, and residence. Local residents, particularly in rural areas, demonstrated higher awareness levels. The study also revealed a potential loss of traditional ecological knowledge regarding native Unionid mussels, especially among younger generations. These findings highlight the importance of integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with scientific ecological knowledge (SEK) in conservation efforts. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for new forms of ecological knowledge acquisition, preservation of traditional knowledge, and the development of targeted education programs to raise awareness about the ecological importance of freshwater mussels.
... In this sense, scientific knowledge has been taken up in the first instance, which, although helpful, with the passage of time does not seem to be sufficient to combat this deterioration, so the search for solutions has been emphasised. One of these is what is known as traditional knowledge (TK) or traditional ecological knowledge (Huntington, 2000;Inglis, 1993). ...
This research aims to analyze the relationship between human dimensions in organizations such as rural communities and so-called traditional knowledge. This allows to provide information that will help to obtain knowledge that helps to understand more about this type of knowledge and the elements that allow its existence in certain organizations. This is done by using a qualitative approach supported by a thematic analysis based on literature review, which examines traditional knowledge in specific contexts, as well as documents addressing the relevance of human dimensions in organizations. It is concluded that there is a broad relationship between the characteristics of traditional knowledge studied in rural communities and the human dimensions present in any organization. This correspondence is possible because rural communities are a type of organization where various human aspects remain relevant within the daily life
... Introducción Con el paso del tiempo, las afectaciones del ser humano a sí mismo son cada vez más diversas y negativas (destrucción de ecosistemas y especies, calentamiento global, cambio climático, uso excesivo de químicos en la producción de alimentos, menor acceso a alimentos saludables, por mencionar algunos). En consecuencia, desde hace décadas se han buscado alternativas para lograr soluciones retomando los llamados conocimientos tradicionales (CT en adelante), conocidos en inglés como traditional knowledges (Brooke, 1993;Huntington, 2000;Inglis, 1993;Johnson, 1992). Se ha mostrado que estos ayudan a encontrar diseños más sustentables para la vida de las personas (Martin et al., 2010), por lo que se dice que tienen beneficios potenciales que deben considerarse como relevantes (Huntington, 2000). ...
Este artículo tiene por objetivo identificar las características que conforman los conocimientos tradicionales y proponer dimensiones que los componen, a fin de obtener un entendimiento más completo del término. Para ello, se utilizó la investigación documental, mediante la revisión de literatura de una treintena de artículos especializados en el tema, pero aplicados en contextos concretos. Como resultado, se identificaron nueve características que integran la propuesta de cuatro dimensiones de los conocimientos tradicionales. El trabajo destaca por respaldar empíricamente su propuesta gracias a la literatura especializada revisada, con
la limitante de ser un primer acercamiento analítico de los conocimientos
radicionales desde un enfoque empírico. Se concluye que los resultados representan una oportunidad para entender más sobre estos conocimientos y reflexionar acerca de su utilidad en la vida actual de los seres humanos.
... 31). An integration of both knowledge systems (traditional and scientific knowledge), however, is not only challenged by the largely different worldviews they are based on, but also by inequality concerning political power and decision-making [107] (p. 6). ...
Throughout the last decades, engaging with cultural landscapes has been a scientific, social, ethical, political, and economic imperative that calls for novel theoretical approaches, effective strategies and, above all, participatory action. Facing this multifarious challenge, academic disciplines have to redefine their traditional methods and aims, and demonstrate an openness towards new and risky paths of scientific pursuits. The present paper arose from interdisciplinary cooperation between the humanities and social sciences with the main objective to explore the potential of cultural landscapes as resources for social innovation in rural regions, addressing issues such as out-migration of original inhabitants, unemployment, and an overaging population. Based on an overview of landscape semantics and theoretical approaches, the paper first analyzes (cultural) landscape and social innovation as applied concepts. In a second step, both disciplinary angles mingle into a joint approach. Moving from methodologies to challenges, the authors discuss the Social Grid Model, which allows for an integrated analysis of social networks, institutions, and cognitive frames. They also delve into the Structured Democratic Dialogue as a tool for the revitalization of ‘active’ and ‘inactive’ cultural landscapes by reinforcing the role of local communities. Finally, the authors investigate how such novel ideas for the promotion of tangible and intangible heritage in rural habitats can be employed by example of two intervention regions in Greece (Koumasa) and the People’s Republic of China (Honghe Hani Rice Terraces), and as part of an orchestrated collective action.
In his 1993 paper published in Shaman, Shi (1993) recognized that while Chinese scholars conclude that shamanism emerged and flourished in the prehistoric period and faded in post-industrial society, they are “puzzled by its vitality today” (Shi 1993, p [...]
Climate change is a global issue with diverse regional impacts threatening the survival of both human and non-human species. While the academic discourse on climate change predominantly focuses on macro-level studies, it often neglects the vital role of local environmental practices and the perspectives of affected communities. This paper presents insights from ethnographic fieldwork conducted among the Bishnoi community in Khejarli Village, Jodhpur, in the Thar Desert of India. This study utilizes participant observations, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies to explore local environmental knowledge and practices aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change. Findings reveal the Bishnois’ deep-rooted relationship with nature and the pivotal role of religious beliefs in shaping their conservation efforts. Since the 15th century, the Bishnois have been committed to protecting local species, such as plants and animals, which has been crucial for sustaining the desert ecosystem and combating climate change. Moreover, their religious teachings and principles have helped conserve values among younger generations, ensuring a lasting culture of environmental stewardship. This paper supports integrating micro-level ethnographic studies into global climate change dialogues, urging the recognition of local knowledge as an essential resource for addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
This article deepens the understanding of bio-cultural management through the establishment of Indigenous Marine Areas (IMAs) in Chile. While ecological conservation management has struggled due to governmental, top-down approaches, this research aims to show how the establishment of Indigenous Marine Areas (IMAs) has allowed Indigenous communities in Chile safeguard their customary uses and bio-cultural management. Based on analysis of three detailed case studies from a review of ten decreed IMAs, it discusses how IMAs are spatially prioritising the protection of habitats, species, and cultural relations, from different threats such as salmon aquaculture and fishing. The research develops the blue democracy approach, including participatory GIS, and semi-structured interviews to elicit local ecological knowledge (LEK) and values. Greater recognition of the network of IMAs can allow for greater momentum in monitoring and protection of marine ecosystems and Indigenous culture, where indigenous leadership over marine management is empowered.
Understanding the coexistence between nature and humans is a basic concept required in modern society. In this study, we verify the effectiveness of folktales as teaching material in science education by incorporating folktales into the fifth-grade elementary school science unit, “Functions of Running Water and Changes in the Land”. We investigate the effects of folktales that express ancestors’ perspectives on nature on pupils’ ideas about the coexistence between nature and humans. Additionally, we explore the possibility of using folktales in science education. In November 2017, an experimental group (74 participants) explored the coexistence between nature and humans through folktales, while a control group (60 participants) explored this coexistence through discussion activities. These experiments were conducted in fifth-grade classrooms at elementary schools in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan. Our results indicate that for some pupils in the experimental group, exposure to their ancestors’ views of nature helped them develop and refine their ideas about their connection to and relationship with the river. Folktales vividly depict the nature of the past in the places where the pupils live, offering a glimpse into their ancestors’ different views on nature that differ from present-day views. It is considered that, by coming into contact with the folktale, pupils were able to enter a situation that transcended time, allowing them to think about and empathize with the people who lived with the river. It is suggested that this connection is related to the results described above.
This paper examines the relationship between local systems of self-management and systems of state-management of wildlife in the Canadian north, placing special emphasis on how knowledge is related to action. Commonalties and differences are explored, as well as the mutual autonomy and mutual inter-dependence of the systems. The paper begins with a social scientist's perception of state-management of wildlife resources and it seeks reasons why the development of such management concerns has tended to cut state-management off from local self-management. The paper then provides an extended exploration of self-management, in comparison to state-management, and the conclusions present some suggestions concerning their mutual development. (Republished 1993.)
According to Hardin, author of the tragedy of the commons paradigm, the sum total of environmental resources are condemned to over-exploitation and degradation through the actions of a small number of individuals bent on maximising their short-term profit. More recently however researchers interested in the management of common resources have contested Hardin's pessimistic views. They have noticed that most users of common resources cooperate at the same time as they protect their individual interests. This creates a fresh paradigm that must link questions of ethics with environmental considerations. It is therefore necessary to highlight the role of collective action and local organisations in common resource management. -M.Dean
This chapter addresses several interrelated themes starting with a discussion of the shortsighted and narrow definition of resources, as opposed to the ecosystem view; and complications with the notion of "property' as it applies to resources. Resource-use rights can be characterized in terms of property and access relations and their allocation can be characterized in terms of the exclusivity and transferability of these rights. In the absence of workable common-property regimes, allocation ideals are more appropriately labelled "open-access ideals' leading to resource-use patterns which are not sustainable in the long run. Resource scarcity, including problems with sustainability, has led to the development of "resource management', basically a field of applied ecology and economics. Community-based resource management is offered as an alternative to resource management by central government agencies, with or without the use of market mechanisms. -from Authors