Human-Environment Complexity Lab

Please note that some of the research projects or publications featured on this site were undertaken by Johanna Yletyinen prior to the establishment of this research group. They are included here to provide context and continuity for ongoing work, and to reflect the foundations upon which this group’s research is built.

Loss of local and indigenous knowledge

Indigenous and local knowledge systems often contribute to local, regional and global sustainability. While these knowledge systems are often highly resilient, they are now being eroded at alarming rates.

The environmental knowledge that indigenous peoples and local communities hold plays a crucial role in human well-being and sustainable environmental governance. Our study contributes to the “Scientists’ warning to humanity” series and emphasises the threats that the past and current socioeconomic and environmental changes are posing on indigenous and local knowledge systems.

In addition to reviewing the risks and consequences of losing indigenous and local knowledge systems, the study presents three case studies to illustrate the complexity of protecting different knowledge systems. Importantly, we provide 15 recommendations that call for recognition for the value of these knowledge systems, and support of indigenous peoples and local communities to maintain them.

Read more here

University of Helsinki news on the article

Press releases: EurekaAlert , AlphaGalileo

Fernández-Llamazares Á. et al. 2021. Scientists’ warning to humanity on threats to indigenous and local knowledge systems. Journal of Ethnobiology 41, 2.