Traditional ecological knowledge and practices for ecosystem conservation and management: the case of savanna ecosystem services in Limpopo, South Africa

Integrating indigenous knowledge and culture in sustainable forest management via global environmental policies

“…In a time of serious environmental problems, indigenous knowledge becomes paramount in adaptation strategies and policies developed to address existing environmental complexities, including the conservation of forests (Alule et al 2023;Kakiso 2023;Moloise et al 2024). For instance, forestry plays a very significant role in climate change mitigation.…”

“…biodiversity, wildlife harvests for meat and fur, berries, etc. ), whose values can be satisfied by maintaining a certain amount of mature, old-growth tree stands (van Kooten et al 2019;Moloise et al 2024). However, these ecosystems face multiple challenges, such as deforestation, habitat degradation, and climate-related problems (Tong et al 2020;Dubale et al 2023).…”

“…Traditional local knowledge forest management (TLKFM) has garnered high recognition over the years for its inherent sustainability and harmonious coexistence with nature (Rakatama, Pandit 2020;Moloise et al 2024). Indigenous knowledge, ingrained in the collective wisdom of local communities, encompasses a profound understanding of forest ecosystems, ecological dynamics, season-al variations, and the intricate relationships that connect humanity with mother nature (Messerschmidt 2019; Wangchuk et al 2021).…”

Taboos no longer exist here: Factors undermining value and use of traditional ecological knowledge in conservation and management of savanna ecosystem services in South Africa

“…However, the sustainable delivery of these ecosystem services is increasingly threatened by various unsustainable practices, leading to their degradation and loss. In response to these challenges, communities across the globe have traditionally relied on their ancestral knowledge and practices to conserve and manage ecosystem services sustainably (Moloise et al, 2023).…”

“…Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) encompasses a range of beliefs and practices adopted by communities (Meighan, 2022). This knowledge tends to be passed on from one generation to the other and contrasts universalist science that is documented, validated and proven by a group of scientists (Moloise et al, 2023). TEK encompasses not only an understanding of ecological dynamics but also the cultural and spiritual connections that guide sustainable resource use (Robinson et al, 2021).…”