Abstract
The traditional knowledge of indigenous people is often neglected despite its significance in combating climate change. This study uncovers the potential of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) from the perspective of indigenous communities in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, and explores how TEK helps them to observe and respond to local climate change. Data were collected through interviews and field work observations and analysed using thematic analysis based on the TEK framework. The results indicated that these communities have observed a significant increase in temperature, with uncertain weather and seasons. Consequently, drought and wildfires have had a substantial impact on their livelihoods. However, they have responded to this by managing their customary land and resources to ensure food and resource security, which provides a respectable example of the sustainable management of terrestrial and inland ecosystems. The social networks and institutions of indigenous communities enable collective action which strengthens the reciprocal relationships that they rely on when calamity strikes. Accordingly, the communities maintain their TEK through cultural festivals and oral traditions passed from one generation to another. TEK is a practical tool that helps indigenous communities adapt to climate risks and promotes socio-ecological resilience, which upholds social empowerment and sustainable resource management.
Highlights
The climate warming trend is explicit and well documented in many studies conducted by researchers
In an attempt to address this knowledge gap, we have developed a framework based on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) components, resilience theory and socio-ecological frameworks to explore communities’ adaptation to climate change in coupled socio-ecological systems (Figure 1)
The severity of global warming has resulted in an urgent need to include TEK in climate change initiatives
Summary
The climate warming trend is explicit and well documented in many studies conducted by researchers. Over the past few decades, the Earth has experienced rapid warming [1] with record high temperatures occurring in the last decade alone [2]. Human activities are the primary drivers of climate change as they contribute to more than 95 percent of the rapid temperature rise [3], especially due to the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and land-use changes that emit greenhouse gases. In addition to mitigation action to reduce the extent of warming, it is imperative to adapt to the climate change that already exists. Adaptation, has become more difficult due to the uncertainties caused by the effects of climate change; it requires further intervention on many levels [6]
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