7.2 Traditional ecological knowledge and practices
3 min read•august 9, 2024
() is a cornerstone of indigenous cultures worldwide. It's a holistic approach to understanding and interacting with nature, built on generations of observation and experience. TEK shapes sustainable practices in resource management, agriculture, and conservation.
Indigenous communities use TEK to develop smart ways to use resources without depleting them. This includes , , and . These practices help maintain ecosystem health and ensure long-term survival of both the environment and the communities that depend on it.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Sustainability
Understanding Traditional Ecological Knowledge
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Top images from around the web for Understanding Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Using traditional ecological knowledge to understand and adapt to climate and biodiversity ... View original
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Building an Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge Initiative at a Research University ... View original
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Indigenous Ecological Knowledge – Atlas of Living Australia View original
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Using traditional ecological knowledge to understand and adapt to climate and biodiversity ... View original
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Building an Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge Initiative at a Research University ... View original
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Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) encompasses indigenous communities' collective understanding of their environment
TEK accumulates over generations through direct observation and interaction with nature
Incorporates , cultural practices, and empirical knowledge about local ecosystems
Emphasizes between humans and the natural world
Adapts to environmental changes over time, ensuring long-term survival of communities
Sustainable Resource Management Practices
Indigenous communities develop techniques based on TEK
Rotational harvesting allows natural regeneration of resources (forest products, fish populations)
Controlled burning practices maintain ecosystem health and prevent catastrophic wildfires
Water management systems conserve and distribute water efficiently (qanats, acequias)
techniques combine tree cultivation with crop production, enhancing biodiversity
Land Stewardship and Conservation Ethics
in indigenous cultures views humans as caretakers of the environment
rooted in spiritual beliefs and cultural values
preserves biodiversity hotspots and culturally significant areas
transfer ensures continuity of sustainable practices
Holistic approach to ecosystem management considers long-term impacts on all species
Indigenous Agriculture and Medicinal Plants
Traditional Agricultural Practices
Indigenous agriculture utilizes locally adapted crop varieties resistant to pests and diseases
systems increase crop diversity and soil fertility
prevent soil erosion and conserve water in mountainous regions
and intercropping maintain soil health and maximize land use efficiency
preserves genetic diversity and ensures food security
Medicinal Plants and Traditional Healing
Indigenous communities identify and utilize various plants for medicinal purposes
Traditional healers possess extensive knowledge of plant properties and preparations
often have multiple uses (food, medicine, spiritual rituals)
practices ensure the longevity of medicinal plant populations
Integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems in some regions
Seasonal Cycles and Agricultural Calendars
Indigenous agricultural practices align with natural
based on astronomical observations and environmental cues
Planting and harvesting times determined by , animal behavior, or plant indicators
Seasonal rituals and ceremonies mark important agricultural events (planting, harvest)
Adaptation of agricultural practices to climate variations ensures food security
Traditional Hunting and Fishing Practices
Sustainable Hunting Techniques
Indigenous hunting practices emphasize to maintain animal populations
established based on observed animal abundance and reproductive cycles
Spiritual beliefs and taboos regulate hunting of certain species or during specific times
designed for efficiency and minimal environmental impact (blowguns, bolas)
of harvested animals minimizes waste (food, clothing, tools)
Traditional Fishing Methods
Indigenous fishing techniques adapted to local aquatic ecosystems (rivers, lakes, coastal areas)
align with fish migration patterns and spawning cycles
Use of traditional fishing gear designed for selective catch (fish traps, nets, spears)
regulate fishing activities to prevent overharvesting
(smoking, drying) enable long-term storage and trade
Resource Management and Conservation
Traditional ecological knowledge informs sustainable management of wildlife and fish populations
practices protect breeding grounds and migration routes
Customary laws and taboos enforce sustainable hunting and fishing practices within communities
and environmental indicators guides resource management decisions
Intergenerational knowledge transfer ensures continuity of sustainable hunting and fishing practices