Weaving the Middle Spaces Between Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge for Biodiversity Conservation and Ecology

Africa’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage are deeply rooted in Indigenous Peoples’ traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), which offers essential insights for conservation and sustainability. This editorial underscores the active role of African IP in safeguarding biodiversity and strengthening food system resilience, calling for equitable partnerships that value TEK alongside scientific knowledge. Grounded in centuries of observation and cultural practice, TEK supports sustainable resource use and ecological understanding. Yet, climate change, land dispossession, and cultural erosion threaten both these knowledge systems and the communities that uphold them. To address this, conservation efforts must respect Indigenous sovereignty and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. This aligns with global frameworks like the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which affirms IP rights across conservation targets, including land tenure, traditional knowledge, and access to justice. The pressing challenge is translating these international commitments into rights-based, equitable conservation on the ground. Upholding the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and engaging in open, trust-building dialogue with IP communities are essential steps. By embracing these principles, conservation science can move from rhetoric to meaningful, participatory action that honors Indigenous stewardship of nature.

---

Download :

English

---

This works is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

---

---