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Paper short abstract:

Dana Lepofsky is an archaeologist and ethnoecologist who primarily works with and for coastal First Nations of British Columbia. She believes strongly in the value of bringing diverse communities together to help solve a range of social-ecological problems.

Paper long abstract:

The knowledge systems and practices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities play critical roles in safeguarding the biological and cultural diversity of our planet. However, globalization, colonialism, and other rapid social-ecological changes threaten the relationships between Indigenous Peoples and local communities and their environments, thereby challenging the continuity and dynamism of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK). In this panel we will explore means for sustaining ILK systems for better stewardship of our planet and for the well-being of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. While ILK systems can be adaptable and resilient, the foundations of these knowledge systems are compromised by land dispossession, state-sanctioned violence, cultural assimilation, and the rapid expansion of extractive frontiers. Case studies will illustrate the interwoven challenges facing ILK systems and the social and ecological consequences of these challenges. We will also highlight several strategic actions that can support Indigenous Peoples and local communities in sustaining their homelands and associated knowledge systems. Such actions are inextricably linked to global efforts to address biodiversity loss and climate change and highlight the need for a transformative and sustained shift on how ILK systems, their knowledge holders, and their multiple expressions in lands and waters are recognized, honored and sustained.

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Paper short abstract:

Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares is an ethnoecologist based at the University of Helsinki, in Finland. His research explores the importance of Indigenous Peoples' stewardship practices and knowledge systems for safeguarding life on Earth.

Paper long abstract:

The knowledge systems and practices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities play critical roles in safeguarding the biological and cultural diversity of our planet. However, globalization, colonialism, and other rapid social-ecological changes threaten the relationships between Indigenous Peoples and local communities and their environments, thereby challenging the continuity and dynamism of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK). In this panel we will explore means for sustaining ILK systems for better stewardship of our planet and for the well-being of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. While ILK systems can be adaptable and resilient, the foundations of these knowledge systems are compromised by land dispossession, state-sanctioned violence, cultural assimilation, and the rapid expansion of extractive frontiers. Case studies will illustrate the interwoven challenges facing ILK systems and the social and ecological consequences of these challenges. We will also highlight several strategic actions that can support Indigenous Peoples and local communities in sustaining their homelands and associated knowledge systems. Such actions are inextricably linked to global efforts to address biodiversity loss and climate change and highlight the need for a transformative and sustained shift on how ILK systems, their knowledge holders, and their multiple expressions in lands and waters are recognized, honored and sustained.

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Paper short abstract:

Nancy J. Turner is an ethnobotanist and ethnoecologist who has worked with First Nations cultural specialists in northwestern North America for over 50 years, helping to document, retain and promote knowledge of plants and environments, including Indigenous foods, materials and traditional medicine.

Paper long abstract:

ILK systems in the 21st Century have been subjected to a particularly difficult combination of threats: intense loss of biodiversity and climate change, on the one hand, and relentless societal forces towards globalization and industrial development on the other. These threats need to be addressed holistically as assaults on biocultural diversity, with nature and culture as part of the same overarching system. The cumulative impacts on social-ecological systems we humans are experiencing must be met with cumulative, interconnected responses. Long resident Indigenous and Local Peoples hold much wisdom and experience, along with relational values, that can help address, alleviate and reverse these impacts, which often affect these peoples the most. Loss of access to lands, loss of control over traditional resources and traditional management approaches, loss of language, loss of traditional foods... all of these need to be addressed, through supporting these peoples and working together with them to find the best path forward.

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Paper short abstract:

Abolfazl Sharifian is an ethnoecologist from Iran who works on traditional pastoral systems. His work emphasis on the value of pastoralism and traditional ecological knowledge in sustainable natural resources management and conservation.

Paper long abstract:

There is a significant knowledge gap concerning the extent to which pastoral traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) has changed. We conducted a systematic review of 152 papers on pastoral TEK, focusing specifically on 63 papers that explicitly mentioned types of knowledge transitions (retention, erosion, adaptation or hybridization). Studies on pastoral TEK represent less than 3% of all the scholarly literature on TEK. Geographical distribution of the case studies was largely biased. Knowledge domains of pastoral TEK such as herd and livestock management, forage and medicinal plants, and landscape and wildlife were relatively equally covered, however, climate-related knowledge was less studied. Out of the 63 papers explicitly mentioning transition of pastoral TEK, 83% reported erosion, and only 11 studies documented explicitly knowledge retention, adaptation or hybridization. We conclude that future research should focus more on the diverse dynamics of pastoral traditional knowledge, be more careful in distinguishing the four knowledge transition types.

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