Traditional Ecological Knowledge: A Review of Global Studies

Traditional ecological knowledge is the knowledge of indigenous peoples that has been acquired during their lifetime and experience in a specific environment over generations and is an inseparable aspect of the bio-cultural heritage of indigenous communities. Using the documentary research method, this article investigates the role of indigenous knowledge in the sustainable management of natural resources by introducing implications in the world. The traditional ecological knowledge has a history as long as the life history of indigenous peoples, which negates the oppressive and exploitative attitude towards natural resources and the superiority of man over nature and its inferiority, and emphasizes protecting nature, choosing a lifestyle in harmony with nature, and appreciation of nature. In addition, an ongoing gift exchange between humans and the more-than-human world, the stewarding of nature, and an eco-centric view of it are the inherent characteristics of indigenous peoples, which provide alternative solutions to overcome the current environmental crises, which are mainly the result of the anthropocentric and developmentalist view of human beings towards natural resources and the environment.