Traditional Knowledge

Preserving Indigenous Wisdom Through Research and Knowledge Management

We protect and integrate Indigenous wisdom into land management, preserving ecosystems and cultural heritage. We also facilitate community-driven research to inform advocacy and scale up interventions.

“Bridging Generations: IMPACT fosters knowledge exchange between elders and youth, and between Indigenous communities and global conservationists, nurturing cultural and environmental wisdom.”

CHARIS ENNS
Inclusive Conservation Initiative
Research Fellow, University of Manchester

The Challenge

The Loss of Indigenous Knowledge

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) has played a significant role in shaping sustainable practices and cultural identities of communities over generations. However, this invaluable wisdom is at risk of disappearing, which threatens the preservation of ecosystems, heritage, and ways of life.

Our Solution

We safeguard Indigenous Traditional Knowledge by documenting and archiving it, establishing community resource centers, promoting integration into land management practices, and facilitating knowledge exchange across generations.

Our strategy involves four key elements:

Documenting and Archiving ITK

Establishing Resource Centers as Knowledge Hubs

Integrating ITK into Mainstream Systems

Facilitating Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer

The Challenge

The Loss of Indigenous Knowledge

Our Solution

Our strategy involves four key elements:

Documenting and Archiving ITK

Establishing Resource Centers as Knowledge Hubs

Integrating ITK into Mainstream Systems

Facilitating Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer

“There is a risk that many of these biocultural resources could be lost due to overemphasizing resources as assets with economic value. Biocultural mapping counters this by integrating rich knowledge, tradition, and spirituality into land management plans.”

BROCK BERSAGLIO
Inclusive Conservation Initiative, Associate Professor of Environment and Development
University of Birmingham

IMPACT in Action

Inclusive Conservation Initiative—Safeguarding Biocultural Heritage

The Inclusive Conservation Initiative supports Indigenous autonomy in preserving land and cultural livelihoods across 24 communities in Kenya’s Midawaso-Niro River Basin. The project undertakes biocultural mapping, documenting Indigenous practices that contribute to biodiversity conservation.

Together, we make an impact.

Stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples for land rights, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural preservation.

Communal Land Rights

Inclusive Laws and Policies

Sustainable Livelihoods and Ecosystems