Traditional knowledge

About: Traditional knowledge is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 10825 publications have been published within this topic receiving 202790 citations. The topic is also known as: indigenous knowledge & indigenous knowledge system.

Aboriginal Knowledge Traditions in Digital Environments.

Abstract: According to Manovich (2001), the database and the narrative are natural enemies, each competing for the same territory of human culture. Aboriginal knowledge traditions depend upon narrative through storytelling and other shared performances. The database objectifies and commodifies distillations of such performances and absorbs them into data structures according to a priori assumptions of metadata; that is the data which describes the data to aid a search. In a conventional library for example, the metadata which helps you find a book may be title, author or topic. It is misleading and dangerous to say that these databases contain knowledge, because we lose sight of the embedded, situated, collaborative and performative nature of knowledge. For the assemblages of digital artefacts we find in an archive or database to be useful in the intergenerational transmission of living knowledge traditions, we need to rethink knowledge as performance and data as artefacts of prior knowledge production episodes. Through the metaphors of environment and journey we can explore ways to refigure the archive as a digital environment available as a resource to support the work of active, creative and collaborative knowledge production.

Indigenous knowledge on ethnobotanical plants of kavrepalanchowk district

Abstract: Ethnobotanical knowledge is common and important among the tribal people but much of the information is empirical at best lacking logical validation. A number of ethnic communities residing in the study area are partially or fully dependent on the forest resources to meet their requirements. The present study analyses indigenous knowledge of ethnobotanical plant species and utilization of 68 species belonging to 59 genera under 37 families in day-to-day life of ethnic communities of Kaverpalanchowk district of central Nepal. The diverse ethnic communities such as tamang, newar, magar, chhetri, pariyar, biswakarma, and tolange have a good association with plants and their potential role they use for different purposes; treatment of various ailments, economic and other values, and worship in different religions and customs. The traditional knowledge on the utilization of these ethnobotanical plants is widely accepted by these indigenous people.

An ecosystem services framework to evaluate indigenous and local peoples’ connections with nature

Abstract: Indigenous and local peoples’ connections with nature are not only limited to the benefits or services people derive from ecosystems, as considered by international frameworks, but also entail peoples’ capabilities (knowledges and skills) that enable people to derive those benefits. Applying Sen’s (1993) Capability Approach, this paper proposes an ecosystem services framework that underscores peoples’ capabilities along with well-being benefits, to inform policy decision-making about the value of natural resources towards Indigenous and local peoples’ well-being. We offer an economic perspective of considering Indigenous and local estates as a source of opportunities, and construct an integrated framework based on six case studies across the globe. We argue that supporting Indigenous and local peoples to utilize and build capabilities to manage natural systems will deliver manifold benefits to them as well as to the wider public. Moreover, learning Indigenous and local ethics to care for nature will help many of us to better manage and value our fast depleting natural resources.

Comparing two views of the landscape: Aboriginal traditional ecological knowledge and modern scientific knowledge.

Abstract: The potential for combining Aboriginal ecological knowledge and scientific knowledge to enhance understanding of the environment is explored. Results of a fauna survey jointly undertaken at Ulug National Park by Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, CSIRO and Aboriginal members of Mutitjulu Community provide the basis for discussion. Examination of comparative habitat classifications, recognition of faunal habitat preferences and knowledge of the effects of drought and fire suggest that information from Aboriginal people can enhance, and in some instances provide an alternative perspective to, the knowledge currently held by scientists. The scientific community will benefit by accepting Aboriginal ecological knowledge on an equal basis to scientific research. The importance of involving Aboriginal people through all aspects of the research and ensuring that they maintain control over the usage of their traditional knowledge is stressed.