Importance Of Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Traditional ecological knowledge and the systems that are associated with this wealth of knowledge developed over generations through lived experiences but were almost wiped out during the span of one. This knowledge can easily be lost because it is orally transmitted and is specialized within a community and location. If the system is not practiced for an extended period, the knowledge is threatened to become extinction. Bringing back traditional systems have helped communities move forward from the hardship that the previous generations endured, but can these traditional systems be restored and remain strong in the modern, ever-changing world? This knowledge is also appealing to the outside of these communities as many believe that intertwining …show more content…
The right mindset can lead to many opportunities in further development and integration of traditional practices into modern society. Consilience is a way the traditional knowledge and western scientific knowledge can be combined to change environmental policy. This practice can help revitalize the culture within the community as it encourages engagement of the members. The researchers who are interested in the practice look to the community and those who have lived and experienced it to collect the data. The community gets to decide what will be shared with the ‘outsiders’ and the researchers must respect this. There is a social agreement that is created between the community and the researchers that the cultural practices will not be appropriated. As well, consilience can provide the community a way to revitalize the practices and culture because of the community involvement in the research. The researchers have the opportunity to work with the youth, which reconnects the new generation with the culture and the land. As well, the researchers can build a ‘knowledge bank’ to further transmit the knowledge of the Elders to younger generations. As the researchers work with the communities, they become a part of it. This connection that is developed leads to a commitment of the researcher to protect the culture and prevent appropriation of the practices to keep the value of the