Framework for application of Azheke Village’s traditional ecological knowledge for harmonious human-nature interactions in contemporary sustainable urban management

Purpose Contemporary sustainable urban development requires humans to live in harmony with nature. Learning from traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) could contribute to achieving this goal. This study is part of a larger study aimed at building a database on the TEK of Azheke Village for contemporary urban design management strategies. Design/methodology/approach This study reports a desktop survey using a systematic literature review synthesis process to understand the thousand-year-old TEK of Azheke Village, a key component of the Hani Rice Terraces World Cultural Heritage Site in China, which was successful in creating harmonious interactions between humans and nature for its sustainable existence. Findings This study explored sustainable urban ecosystems, identified the critical environmental factors for promoting subjective awareness of harmony with nature, and evaluated the critical Azheke Village’s TEK that matches sustainable urban ecosystem components. The findings resulted in the development of a conceptual framework for the application of Azheke Village’s TEK for Harmonious Human-Nature Interactions in sustainable urban management. Research limitations/implications This paper is an exploratory study evaluating the critical TEK of Azheke Village, which could be matched for successful urban ecosystem management. Originality/value This study identified several Azheke Village’s TEK that can be applied to contemporary urban design management strategies. These findings are expected to foster place attachment among urban residents, preserve natural values and strengthen natural identity to promote pro-environmental behavior.