Indigenous knowledge in territorial planning. An interdisciplinary conceptual framework

Since colonial times, Indigenous communities have been systematically excluded from territorial planning, leading to persistent inequalities in land governance and decision-making. This exclusion manifests through limited representation in policymaking, restricted land-use rights, and the marginalisation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). Addressing this challenges, this study develops a Transdisciplinary Conceptual Framework to integrate IKS with contemporary territorial planning approaches. Through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of 111 peer-reviewed articles, the research identifies key barriers–including epistemological mismatches, governance fragmentation, and methodological gaps–that hinder knowledge integration. The findings highlight the need for interdisciplinary methodologies, participatory tools, and inclusive governance models to bridge Indigenous and Western planning paradigms. By structuring existing research into a conceptual framework, this study offers a foundation for enhancing territorial projects, fostering collaborative governance, and promoting sustainable development that respects Indigenous perspectives.