Reference:

Preprints. (2024). Traditional ecological knowledge and environmental stewardship. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202406.1838.v1

“Environmental stewardship in Indigenous and local communities should not be understood only as a response to poverty or lack of alternatives.”(Preprints,2024)

The key idea of this article is that Environmental stewardship is an intention choice instead of that something people do because of no option. The author challenges the assumption that local people and communities protect the environment because of poverty. In this article Stewardship is presented as a value based practice that is shaped by culture, ethics and responsibility to future generations. By definition and reframing stewardship as purposeful, the author argues that local communities are active decision makers in environmental protection, not a passive participants.

Reference:

Preprints. (2024). Traditional ecological knowledge and environmental stewardship. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202406.1838.v1

“Practices rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge have contributed to long-term ecosystem resilience in various local contexts.”(Preprints,2024)

This idea can be connected to real world example like indigenous fire management practices . IFMP controlled burns that reduces wildlife risk and maintain ecosystem balance. These practices are based on long term observation of land and seasonal patterns instead of modern emergency responses. In many cases, when these practices ignored, then ecosystems became more vulnerable to environmental damage on large scale. This example shows that how TEK is applied in real world and it produces measurable environmental benefits. This example also supports the article that TEK is not just about theoretical knowledge but also effective practically in managing ecosystems and sustainability.

Reference:

Preprints. (2024). Traditional ecological knowledge and environmental stewardship. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202406.1838.v1

“Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) represents a knowledge system grounded in lived experience and intergenerational learning.”(Preprints,2024)

This article connects strongly to our course because in class we will study sustainability and social-ecological systems, In class we already discussed about social ecological system where we learned that Environmental management is not just technical but it's also related to social and historical things. In class. we discussed about how ecosystems and humans influence each other, which is exactly what Traditional ecological knowledge is based on. TEK is defined as generations of observation, trial and error instead of short term scientific studies and policies. This article also connects to discussion about whose knowledge is considered valid in environmental decision making. The course gives the idea that ignoring indigenous people's knowledge leads to ineffective policies and wrong results. This article support the course argument that for effective environmental management multiple ways of knowing the TEK is necessary. This article also reinforces that sustainability is not just about protecting nature but also about respecting culture, people and historical experience.

Reference

Preprints. (2024). Traditional ecological knowledge and environmental stewardship. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202406.1838.v1

"Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) refers to the cumulated wisdom, practices, and beliefs concerning their natural environment developed over centuries by indigenous and local communities"(Preprints,2024)

This definition explains that Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is not just a information about nature but it is a system that includes historical knowledge developed over past generations. The phrase "long term interaction" is important because it shows that TEK knowledge comes from repeated experience with same land over time. TEK focus on continuous observation and adaptation as compared to scientific research which focus on limited timeframes. This definition gave clarification that TEK is structured and intentional, not outdated or random knowledge. TEK challenges modern science that Environmental knowledge only comes from modern science.