Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) plays an important role in taking care of our environment. It connects culture and geography by focusing on a deep understanding of local ecosystems.
Key Contributions of TEK:
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Biodiversity Conservation:
- Indigenous ways of managing land help protect a wide variety of plants and animals. Studies show that areas looked after by Indigenous people often have 20% more different species compared to areas managed by others.
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Sustainable Practices:
- TEK promotes using resources in a way that does not harm the environment. Research shows that 90% of Indigenous groups focus on sustainability. This is important because up to 75% of the world’s biodiversity is found in areas managed by Indigenous people.
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Resilience to Climate Change:
- Indigenous communities have been adapting to changes in the environment for many years. A review found that TEK can help communities deal with climate change. This is especially helpful in places where traditional methods have reduced risk.
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Cultural Traditions and Care for Nature:
- Eco-cultural practices, like rotating hunting and gathering, show how people work with nature. More than 60% of cultures around the world include TEK in how they manage the environment.
Quantitative Impact:
- A global study found that including TEK in environmental policies can lead to a 30% improvement in land management success. This shows that using cultural knowledge can make a big difference in environmental practices.