“ethno” - culture | “ecology” - living systems
What is ethnoecology?
Ethnoecology studies the intricate relationship between cultures and their environments. It delves into how various societies perceive, interact with, and manage their surroundings, integrating diverse knowledge and practices with ecological understanding.
This interdisciplinary field explores how local knowledge shapes conservation, resource management, and sustainability, offering insights into the dynamic interplay between human societies and their ecosystems.
What does it do?
Ethnoecology involves collaborating with local communities to document, understand, and apply their ecological knowledge. It engages in fieldwork to assess regional practices and their ecological impact, contributing to conservation strategies, sustainable resource management, and fostering culture-based approaches to environmental challenges.
Specifically, it explores how recognising and exploring cultural assumptions about the natural world, whilst Integrating local knowledge, helps to identify coherent, practical solutions that align with community needs and environmental preservation.
How does it help?
Ethnoecology offers invaluable insights for local conservation by preserving biodiversity through local knowledge. It aids in adapting to climate change by leveraging traditional approaches that enhance local resilience through regenerative practice.
Additionally, it fosters place-specific approaches, promoting public health through culturally aligned strategies, such as community-based land care and crafts or sustainable lifestyle approaches methods that nurture community and ecosystem well-being.
How can I get involved?
In the Explore area you will see blog articles, research papers and more that give you an insight into my ethnoecological approach and practice.
The online courses introduce the main themes and applications for those wanting to integrate ethnoecology into their practice. You may also be interested in working with me on writing, delivering talks, or doing ethnoecology in the field on a project.
Otherwise, you might be interested in joining the Centre for Ethnoecology, a research organisation that brings researchers and practitioners together to explore the field.
