WEAVING MEANING: LOCAL KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION IN REJANG WASTRA DANCE

The Balinese Hindu community is known as a traditional society, where traditional society is a society that in its daily life still applies ancient systems or old customs in various settings of its life. Their lives have not been overly influenced by changes that come from outside their social environment. The life of traditional society still tends to uphold certain traditions that exist in society as a transformation of values ​​that are considered appropriate. Traditional community culture is the result of adaptation to the surrounding natural and social environment without receiving outside influences (Ifzanul, 2010: 15). Balinese society as adherents of a traditional cultural system is formed from many complex elements, including religious systems, politics, customs, language, tools, clothing, buildings and works of art. Angkul-Angku Saka Jajar is one of the cultures of the people of Susut District, Bangli Regency where this building is part of the spatial layout of the community settlement which is also a sign of the social identity of the community. Where in general Angkul-Angkul Saka Jajar is a sacred building and it is agreed that it can only be built by a village leader called Mekel or Perbekel. Oriented to this background, the following problems can be formulated: (1) How is the conception of the development of Angkul-Angkul Saka Jajar as a symbol of social identity for the Hindu community in Susut District, Bangli Regency?, (2) How is the implementation of the construction of Angkul-Angkul Saka Jajar as a symbol of identity? the Hindu community in Susut District, Bangli Regency?, (3) What values ​​are contained in Angkul-Angkul Saka Jajar as a symbol of social identity for the Hindu community in Susut District, Bangli Regency?. In general, this study aims to reveal the meaning behind the existence of Angkul-Angkul Saka Jajar as a symbol of social identity for the Hindu community in Susut District, Bangli Regency. In this study using structural functional theory, meaning theory, and value theory. The source of the data in this study was the direct (primary) source obtained in the field as a result of observation and scrutiny of the existence of Angkul-Angkul Saka Jajar as a symbol of social identity for the Hindu community in Susut District, Bangli Regency. While indirect (secondary) sources can be obtained through books, articles, written documents, and so on from libraries or other places. Primary and secondary sources can be combined or cross-checked to obtain truly accurate and accountable data. The informants in this study were determined purposively. The data collection used here includes direct observation of the research object (observation), interviews, and literature studies. After the data is obtained, it is analyzed by reducing, then presenting the data, and drawing conclusions.

Balinese batik, a traditional cloth, is rich in motifs and philosophical meanings that reflect the culture of the Balinese people and need to be preserved. Preservation efforts aim to ensure that the knowledge contained in Balinese batik can be sustainable in the long term. This study examined the knowledge and preservation of Balinese batik cloth to preserve indigenous knowledge. This study used a qualitative method by analyzing the knowledge contained in Balinese batik cloth using Peirce's semiotic approach and a case study to explore the preservation efforts carried out by the UPTD Bali Museum. The data collection technique used interview and observation methods, which were conducted from May to June 2024. Data analysis was carried out through data reduction, data presentation (data display), and conclusion. Study results showed that if examined more deeply, Balinese batik contained philosophical meanings that reflected the culture of Balinese society due to the influence of Hinduism and local values. Balinese batik motifs were also inseparable from the influence of Chinese cultural elements that contain spiritual and mythological values. The Bali Museum conducted preservation efforts through processes such as identifying and validating knowledge in local communities and academic circles, recording and storing this knowledge in a database, and disseminating it to the broader community. This study concludes that Peirce's semiotics can assist in identifying the indigenous knowledge of Balinese batik, and in this case, the Bali Museum plays an important role in preserving local wisdom.

BackgroundThe Biebrza Valley is one of the largest complexes of wetlands (floodplain and percolation mire) and conservation sites in Central Europe. Local communities have managed the area extensively for subsistence and farming purposes for centuries; nonetheless, since the 1960s, hand mowing and livestock grazing have been gradually ceasing due to the intensification of farming, and wetlands have undergone natural succession. Currently, the protection of this vast ecosystem is challenging. Despite its remarkable cultural origin, the complexity of the traditional practices and knowledge of local people have never been studied comprehensively. Therefore, we found it urgent to explore if traditional ecological knowledge that could be used in conservation management of the area still exists among the local community.MethodsWe interviewed 42 inhabitants of seven villages located in the Lower Basin of the Biebrza Valley (NE-Poland) in the consecutive years 2018–2020. We applied semi-structured, repeated interviews with farmers (aged 29–89), each lasting several hours. By using different ethnoecological methods (visual stimuli, walks in wetlands, co-mapping of the area), we explored traditional knowledge on the plants, landscape and traditional management of wetlands.ResultsFarmers from the oldest generation, who used to manage wetlands with scythes, shared the deepest ecological knowledge. Local people divided wetlands into zones differentiated by vegetation type and hay quality. Depending on plant composition, people managed wetlands under a mixed regime: mowing once or twice a year during periods that ensured good hay quality and pasturing various livestock: cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and fowl. We identified at least 50 plant ethnospecies, which were described exhaustively by their habitat, morphological features, and mowing and grazing value.ConclusionsThe local community in the Biebrza Valley shared a deep traditional ecological knowledge and had a good memory of traditional farming practices. Research confirmed the unquestionable cultural origin of the local ecosystem, therefore in conservation endeavours the area should be treated first and foremost as a cultural landscape. The documented exceptional local perception of the wetland landscape, elements of traditional knowledge and complex farming practices should be considered for inclusion into conservation management, and cooperation with the local community should also be taken into account.

The present review aims to explore the traditional plant knowledge and utilization practices among the local tribal communities in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra, India. To document ethnobotanical uses, the published literature including journals, floras and other online published sources was surveyed. A total of 370 taxa belonging to 290 genera and 82 families were identified. Local communities employ these plant species for various purposes. Traditional medicinal practices in local communities involve the use of both monoherbal and polyherbal remedies. Notably, this study indicated a higher prevalence of dermatological and gastrointestinal disorders in the district. Interestingly, research has also found that 34 invasive plant species are being utilized by the local tribal communities for healing various ailments. We have also computed the citation index (CI) and use index (UI) for each species. This study illuminates the rich traditional plant knowledge and its multifaceted applications within the local tribal communities of Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, India. The documentation of traditional plant knowledge in this region provides valuable insights into conservation efforts and the development of sustainable practices that respect the intricate bonds between people and nature.

There is a limited number of studies describing the situation and importance of current or potential usage of the local and indigenous traditional environmental knowledge in the region of Northern Nicaragua. To fill this gap, the author supported by a local team conducted the participative research in this rather neglected Central American region, concretely in the northern area of the aspiring Rio Coco Geopark. The purpose of this research was to identify the local and indigenous knowledge regarding the present and traditional use of natural resources including land use and to analyse the contribution and potential of the usage of this knowledge for the local development sustainability. The practical long-term impact of this research is expected mainly in the form of enhancement of the local geotourism sustainability. The research process itself was of the same importance as its results, especially the involvement of the local and indigenous people. In this participative research, young local and indigenous people obtained training and served as co-investigators who later interviewed representatives of the local households. The other field methods included life history of elders, discussions in the focal groups involving common people from local communities as well as the mapping and photo-documentation of the identified local and indigenous traditional environmental knowledge. The participative character of the research process not only facilitated the data collection and validation but also supported the revival of the community memory and revitalization of its cultural and natural identity. The research findings point out that the more distant and more dispersed are the local settlements the better conserved local and indigenous knowledge regarding the traditional land use and other use of natural resources is. Among the best-conserved local and indigenous traditional environmental knowledge in the northern area of the aspiring Rio Coco Geopark was the usage of the earth material and plants. The local indigenous people are not expressing and transmitting the spiritual dimension of their traditional environmental knowledge (sacred times or sites, rites, rituals or taboos regarding the traditional land use and other use of natural resources) anymore because they were experiencing a continuous repression realized by the dominant (colonial) society in the past. They are not accustomed to appreciating the aesthetic values of the landscape as do visitors, but they are open to share their authentic life with them. The majority of the identified traditional land use and the use of the other natural resources as well as related traditional environmental knowledge in the researched northern region of the aspiring Rio Coco Geopark seems to be more sustainable than the present land use practices and the use of natural resources generally for agriculture, medicine, constructions etc. The local communities should dedicate much more attention and efforts to conserve, transmit and use this local and indigenous traditional environmental knowledge to enhance the sustainability of their development as well as geotourism emerging in this part of the aspiring geopark.

With traditional knowledge passing through generations and habits of indigenous people, the local communities perform a crucial role in managing the environment and development. It should be the Local communities who should be involved in the conservation and management of the wetland resources, however, increasing government controls and prohibitions are harming wetland conservation, which potentially promotes responsible use habits in the region. This literature review investigates the role of traditional knowledge systems (TKS) in wetland conservation, focusing on four key domains: agriculture, fishing practices, stormwater management, and traditional knowledge of wetland plants and produce harvesting. This review methodologically synthesizes current research to provide a thorough understanding of the contribution of traditional knowledge to wetland conservation efforts. It does this by using a total selection of 68 papers within a range of five to ten articles per category. Using the PRISMA(Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methods of literature review as a guide, this study identifies, evaluates, and synthesizes peer-reviewed and localized publications that examine the application of Traditional knowledge systems to various wetland management contexts, drawing from scholarly databases and pertinent literature sources. By delving into diverse disciplines such as environmental engineering, ecology, and environmental science, the review elucidates the multifaceted ways in which indigenous wisdom informs conservation practices, fosters sustainable resource utilization, and enhances community resilience in wetland ecosystems. Moreover, it examines the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating traditional and scientific knowledge paradigms, emphasizing the need for inclusive and participatory approaches to conservation that respect cultural diversity and local knowledge systems. The results of the literature study have been compiled to highlight several traditional systems for wetland conservation. These include traditional stormwater management in wetland watersheds, resource management by local communities, the use of wetland plants in conservation, traditional fishing practices, traditional agricultural practices, and religious and cultural practices. The findings of this review contribute valuable insights to academia, policy development, and on-the-ground conservation efforts, serving as a foundation for future research and practice aimed at promoting the holistic and equitable stewardship of wetland ecosystems. This paper concludes with suggestions on using traditional knowledge systems in the conservation of wetlands in India, along with the different traditional methods that could be part and parcel of the decision-making system in this field. The results of this paper are highly significant, as they demonstrate the integration of traditional knowledge systems as a method for environmental conservation and management, specifically targeting wetland ecosystems and their biota.

Factors Contributing to the Decline of Traditional Practices in Communities from the Gwallek-Kedar area, Kailash Sacred Landscape, Nepal.

Objective: The study aimed to document the traditional knowledge and healthcare practices of the Ayta community in Barangay Mawakat, Floridablanca, Pampanga, Philippines, to preserve the remaining traditional culture and uphold the community’s rights to their healing abilities and health practices for good health and well-being, as aligned with Sustainable Development Goals initiatives. Conceptual Framework: The younger generations of Aytas are now transitioning from traditional knowledge and practices to contemporary healthcare practices. Declining interest and discontinuance of their traditional healing practices threaten their traditional knowledge and healthcare practice of health, which their ancestors developed over centuries. Method: This study used ethnographic-participative research, which involved the community in gathering data and finalizing the report. The process included the pre-documentation and documentation stages, which utilized a structured interview guide, Focused Group Discussion, walk through within the natural domain, and community immersion. Results: Ethnography resulted in ethno-pharmacological information, the crafting of a photo book, the collection of herbarium vouchers, and the uploaded data templates on the traditional knowledge of health and healthcare practices of the Aytas. The gathered data on health and healthcare practices were uploaded and are accessible on the Philippine Traditional Knowledge Digital Library on Health (TKDL) website, www.tkdl.ph. Originality/Value: The Philippine Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) website www.tkdl.ph on Health is the national repository of information on medicinal plants and traditional healing practices, including rituals, plant compendium, traditional healing terminologies, and a library of healers gathered from the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) and the local communities. The uploaded data, the photo book, and herbarium vouchers are important mechanisms to help the Aytas preserve the remaining traditional knowledge and healthcare practices of health.

Indigenous geological knowledge (IGK) constitutes a vital but often overlooked dimension of Earth science, developed through centuries or millennia of community observation, cultural practice, and direct interaction with the environment. In Ethiopia, a country characterized by diverse landscapes, active tectonic zones, and rich cultural heritage, local communities have long interpreted geological phenomena such as rock formations, mineral presence, volcanic eruptions, and groundwater signals through context-specific, place-based knowledge systems. Despite its profound potential in geoscience, natural resource management, and environmental education, IGK remains marginalized in mainstream scientific discourse, institutional policy, and formal education. This review critically examines the scope, depth, and contemporary relevance of IGK in Ethiopia by analysing traditional interpretations and their linkages to current geoscientific challenges. A systematic review approach was used, following PRISMA guidelines. Data were gathered from academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) and grey literature, using search terms like ‘Indigenous knowledge,’ ‘geology,’ ‘Ethiopia,’ ‘traditional geoscience,’ and ‘ethnogeology.’ Inclusion criteria covered studies published from 1995 to 2025 that document local geological interpretations, geophysical phenomena, or traditional resource-use practices. From an initial pool of 311 documents, 50 were selected for full thematic analysis. The findings reveal five core thematic areas: traditional rock and soil classifications; local understandings of volcanic and seismic activity; Indigenous hydrogeological indicators; perceptions of land degradation and erosion; and cosmological or spiritual associations with geological features. These knowledge systems are intricately woven into community identity and environmental stewardship, often passed down orally across generations. IGK offers valuable insights for enhancing geoscientific research, supporting sustainable land use, and developing culturally grounded education. Integrating IGK into formal scientific frameworks can also strengthen disaster risk reduction and environmental governance. This review calls for inclusive academic platforms and responsive policy frameworks to validate, preserve, and integrate Indigenous geological knowledge within Ethiopia’s broader development agenda.

Globally, coastal communities are facing changes and threats to biodiversity and food security. A major driver of change relates to declining productivity of fisheries and agriculture in coastal areas that depend on land and sea. Terrestrial and marine ecosystems provide diverse benefits to people through ecosystem services, such as food supply, coastal protection, climate regulation and cultural experiences. Since land-sea interactions can negatively affect the livelihoods of communities, it is important to understand how this interaction affects different ecosystem services at the land-sea interface and, consequently, human well-being. One way that coastal communities cope with these changes is through their adaptive capacity, i.e., their ability to respond to and anticipate change. An important indicator of adaptive capacity is local knowledge, which can help to cope with environmental threats that negatively affect natural resources. The objectives of this thesis are i) to identify approaches, tools and knowledge gaps on the study of land-sea interactions in their relationship with ecosystem services; ii) to assess the relationship between local knowledge, values and livelihoods to identify emerging synergies or trade-offs in this relationship; and iii) to assess how different dimensions of adaptive capacity, including local knowledge, determine the adaptive capacity of coastal communities. For the first objective, a systematic literature review of publications was conducted through Web of Science, using keywords on land-sea interaction. For objectives two and three, we conducted semi-structured interviews in local communities in the Valdivian coast, southern Chile. We assessed local knowledge, values and livelihoods. In addition, we assessed dimensions of adaptive capacity such as agency, social capital, institutions, local knowledge and assets, to determine their role in past and hypothetical future responses to resource depletion scenarios. The systematic review identified 166 publications. The results indicate that the main disciplines that have investigated land-sea interactions were biogeochemistry and ecology, with a focus on nutrients. Regarding ecosystem services, supporting and regulating services were the most investigated, with urbanization and agricultural and forestry effluents as the main topics of study. On the other hand, we highlight the low number of studies that include management strategies and social components in land-sea interaction. Regarding the second objective, the results show heterogeneity in the relationship between values and livelihoods: there are communities that may lose knowledge and values when they expand their livelihoods and communities that do not. Certain types of livelihood diversification strategies may result in constraints that can affect knowledge transmission and differences in the type of values. Finally, the results of objective three show the critical role of local knowledge in adaptive capacity in past and future responses to hazards that may affect resource-dependent local communities. These results highlight the importance of including local knowledge in an adaptive capacity framework. Our results demonstrate the knowledge gaps that exist at the land-sea interface and the importance of beginning to understand the role of local knowledge in the adaptive capacity of coastal communities in order to improve resource management practices at the land-sea interface and move towards more sustainable futures.

This research aims to explore how local wisdom can be integrated into human resource management (HRM) practices in tourism businesses in Panelokan Village, Bangli Regency. Specifically, this research seeks to understand the views and experiences of business actors, employees and local communities in implementing local wisdom-based HRM, as well as identifying challenges and strategies that can be adopted to overcome obstacles in its implementation. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study method to understand the application of human resource management (HRM) based on local wisdom in tourism businesses in Panelokan Village. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with tourism business owners or managers, employees and local community leaders, as well as analysis of related documents, such as work guidelines and HR policies. Thematic analysis techniques were used to identify the main themes that emerged from the data. The validity of the data is guaranteed by triangulation of sources and methods, as well as member checking to confirm findings. The results of the research show that the application of local wisdom such as "ngayah," "menyama braya," and "Tri Hita Karana" in HRM is able to increase job satisfaction, loyalty, and employee productivity in tourism businesses in Panelokan. Integration of local cultural values in recruitment, training, performance appraisal and reward systems helps create a more inclusive and culturally appropriate work environment. However, this research also found several challenges in implementing local wisdom-based HRM, especially related to a lack of understanding and managerial skills in combining traditional principles with modern management practices, as well as pressure to meet international management standards.

a Case Study in Mae Klong River, Samut Songkhram,

Background: Ethnomedicinal knowledge plays a vital role in preserving traditional healthcare practices and identifying medicinal plants with potential pharmacological applications. This study documents the diversity, preparation methods, and cultural significance of medicinal plants used by local communities, analyzing their taxonomic diversity, informant consensus, and regional similarities. Methods: A total of 322 informants were interviewed to record traditional plant knowledge. Quantitative indices, including Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), and Fidelity Level (FL), were employed to assess the significance of medicinal plants for specific ailments. Jaccard Index (JI) analysis was used to compare the similarities in plant usage across regions. Data were further analyzed for demographic insights, preparation methods, and plant family distributions. Results: The study documented 116 plant species across 56 families, with Asteraceae, Solanaceae, and Malvaceae being the most represented. Informants were predominantly female (61.2%) and aged over 40 years (67.7%), reflecting their central role in traditional knowledge preservation. Herbs accounted for the largest proportion (41%) of medicinal plants, with juice preparation being the most common method (50%). Plants like Amaranthus spinosus and Myristica fragrans showed high ICF and FL values for ailments like leucorrhea and male sexual disorders. Jaccard Index analysis revealed substantial similarities between regions in Bangladesh, such as Noakhali (JI: 37.77), while regions like Swat, Pakistan (JI: 3.25) demonstrated minimal overlap, highlighting cultural and ecological variations. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of traditional knowledge in healthcare and biodiversity conservation. High ICF and FL values validate the cultural and therapeutic significance of documented plants, while regional comparisons highlight the diversity and specificity of ethnomedicinal practices. Integrating traditional knowledge into modern pharmacological research and sustainable practices can preserve this heritage while enhancing global healthcare systems.Keywords: Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants, Informant Consensus Factor, Jaccard Index, Traditional Knowledge

Chagras are complex agroforestry systems developed by indigenous populations of the Amazon region based on shifting agriculture, as part of a system that includes harvesting of wild fruits and plants, hunting and fishing. During the centuries, thanks to their traditional knowledge, indigenous populations have developed a deep relationship with the surrounding environment, as, living in remote places, they must be self-sufficient. The result is the chagra, a system whose cycle is based on seven basic steps to establish a successful and sustainable system, starting from place selection and ending with the abandonment of the plot after harvesting of the products. After the abandonment, the forest starts to grow again to allow the agroecosystem to recover and to take advantage of the residual vegetal material to avoid erosion. The paper takes into consideration the Indigenous Reserve of Monochoa in Colombia as an example of how traditional knowledge can support a rich biodiversity conservation. Moreover, differently from other parts of the world where there is a growing contrast between indigenous communities and protected areas, in the Indigenous Reserve of Monochoa local communities have been recognized as the owners of the land. Results highlighted the crucial role of the indigenous communities for biodiversity conservation. The preservation and adaptation of traditional knowledge and practices, a decentralized autonomous governance system demonstrates that local communities not only can be part of ecosystems with unique biodiversity, but that they can represent the main actors for an active conservation of biodiversity. Agroforestry systems based on traditional forest-related knowledge can therefore be an effective alternative to biodiversity and ecosystem services conservation based on strict nature protection where humans are perceived as a negative factor.

Integrated landscape approaches have been identified as key to addressing competing social, ecological, economic, and political contexts and needs in landscapes as a means to improve and preserve agrobiodiversity. Despite the consistent calls to integrate traditional and local knowledge and a range of stakeholders in the process of developing integrated landscape approaches, there continues to be a disconnect between international agreements, national policies, and local grassroots initiatives. This case study explores an approach to address such challenges through true transdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder research and outreach to develop solutions for integrated landscapes that value and include the experience and knowledge of local communities and farmers. Working collaboratively with small-scale agroforestry farmers in Southern Brazil who continue to use traditional agroecological practices to produce erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis), our transdisciplinary team is working to collect oral histories, document local ecological knowledge, and support farmer-led initiatives to address a range of issues, including profitability, productivity, and legal restrictions on forest use. By leveraging the knowledge across our network, we are developing and testing models to optimize and scale-out agroforestry and silvopastoral systems based on our partners’ traditional practices, while also supporting the implementation of approaches that expand forest cover, increase biodiversity, protect and improve ecosystem services, and diversify the agricultural landscape. In so doing, we are developing a strong evidence base that can begin to challenge current environmental policies and commonly held misconceptions that threaten the continuation of traditional agroforestry practices, while also offering locally adapted and realistic models that can be used to diversify the agricultural landscape in Southern Brazil.