Indigenous Knowledge and Ecological Sustainability: A Narrative Review
Keywords:
Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Indigenous Communities, Climate Change Adaptation, Sustainable Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Justice, Participatory GovernanceAbstract
This narrative review explores the relationship between Indigenous communities and the environment, focusing on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and sustainability practices. It synthesizes literature highlighting how Indigenous knowledge supports biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and ecological resilience. The study used systematic searches in Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and BASE, with keywords such as “traditional ecological knowledge,” “Indigenous communities,” and “climate change adaptation.” Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles published in the last decade, relevant to human-environment interactions. Findings show that Indigenous practices—such as agroforestry, rotational farming, and spiritually based conservation—effectively maintain ecological balance and strengthen community resilience. When integrated into formal policies, TEK enhances conservation outcomes and fosters local ownership. However, systemic barriers like political exclusion, economic exploitation, and social marginalization hinder broader recognition of Indigenous contributions. Proposed solutions include participatory governance, legal recognition of land rights, community-based education, and inclusive policy reforms. The review concludes by calling for greater integration of Indigenous voices in environmental governance and suggests further research on how TEK can be scaled while preserving cultural integrity. These insights underscore the vital role of Indigenous communities in shaping sustainable and just environmental futures.
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