Local Knowledge Research Articles

Community Forest Management and the Resilience of Karen Indigenous Knowledge in Northern Thailand.

This study investigates the resilience of indigenous knowledge in five Karen villages, located in Thailand's Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Lampang provinces, that have been recognized for best practices in community forest management (CFM). The CFM model was initiated by local communities to promote forest conservation and community engagement. Data on CFM practices, land-use rights, social networks, and indigenous knowledge were collected through 17 in-depth interviews and 5 focus group meetings. The findings include how these Karen communities have adopted payment for environmental services (PES) to fund conservation projects and social welfare. More specifically, PES generates social capital by facilitating coordination with stakeholders from the private sector, academia, and government. These social networks promote markets for local products and advocate for indigenous land-use rights. The PES model also serves as a tool whereby Indigenous Peoples can shape their identities as innovative forest guardians and legitimize their residence within the forest. Additionally, the study reports on how Karen people have diversified their livelihoods to include hosting academic tourism, handicrafts, and livestock, reducing their dependence on forest resources.

Extract from Psidium guineense Sw leaves: An alternative against resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus

Psidium guineense SW., commonly known as sour guava, is used in traditional medicine to address diverse health issues, such as inflammation, infections, and gastrointestinal disorders. Although previous research has highlighted the antimicrobial properties of the root extract and the antioxidant potential of its fruits, information regarding the activities associated with the leaf extract is lacking. The aim of the study was to use the traditional knowledge of the biological properties of P. guineense and investigate its antimicrobial activity, mechanism of action, synergistic effects, and antivirulence activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined for S. aureus, including antibiotic-resistant isolates. The synergy between the extract and antibiotics was evaluated. A growth curve was constructed for S. aureus treated with the extract. The anti-hemolytic activity was assessed by inhibiting hemolysis in human blood, and the inhibition of staphyloxanthin (STX) was examined. The extract effectively inhibited all strains with MIC and MBC values ranging from 256 to 512 µg/mL and 512 to 1024 µg/mL, respectively. Antimicrobial synergy experiments demonstrated the enhanced effectiveness of antibiotics, especially ciprofloxacin, when combined with the P. guineense extract, especially with ciprofloxacin, resulting in complete synergy against all S. aureus strains. In growth curve tests, the extract inhibited growth at MIC of 256 µg/mL within 8 h and significantly delayed it at MIC/2 (128 µg/mL) within 12 h. In antivirulence tests, the extract effectively reduced hemolysis and STX production by S. aureus at MIC and MIC/2, indicating its potential as an antimicrobial agent with antivirulence properties. The extract effectively inhibited S. aureus, including drug-resistant strains with low MIC and MBC values, exhibiting strong antimicrobial and synergistic properties with antibiotics. also In addition, the extract accelerated recovery by limiting bacterial growth and exhibiting antivirulence capabilities, reducing the severe symptoms of S. aureus infections.

Spinacia Oleracea: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential in Persian Medicine and Modern Pharmacology.

Spinach is a widely cultivated dark leafy vegetable highly regarded for its medicinal properties in traditional Persian medicine. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other bioactive compounds, and this review aims to explore the historical applications of spinach in Persian medicine and juxtapose them with current scientific evidence. Despite its historical significance, there remains a need to comprehensively evaluate and integrate traditional knowledge with modern research on the therapeutic benefits of spinach. To achieve this, a comprehensive search was conducted in Persian medicine references and scientific databases to gather information on the traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological effects of spinach. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were meticulously categorized, and relevant data were analyzed to draw insightful comparisons. Persian medicine describes spinach as a nutrient-rich, laxative, and fast-digesting agent with therapeutic effects on inflammation, lung diseases, back pain, sore throats, jaundice, urinary disorders, joint pain, eye inflammation, insomnia, dementia, and more. Modern studies have substantially corroborated these traditional uses, revealing that spinach possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood sugar-lowering, lipid-lowering, anti-obesity, neurological, ocular, and musculoskeletal effects. Spinach exhibits a wide range of beneficial effects on various health conditions. Its widespread availability, low cost, and exceptional nutritional richness position it as a promising candidate for further investigation. Future studies should explore the clinical effectiveness of spinach in various diseases, while taking into consideration the principles emphasized in Persian medicine to guide research and inform therapeutic strategies.

Togutil Tribe’s Ecological Hunting Calendar on Halmahera Island, Indonesia

Hunting has traditionally been associated with practices that reduce wildlife populations. This assumption does not explain the many examples of hunting strategies used in the long term by various indigenous groups worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this study was to document the local knowledge of wildlife management and the maintenance of stable wildlife populations by indigenous people in their local ecosystems. Understanding the hunting practices of indigenous people is essential for designing policies and practices that protect vulnerable wildlife populations. The Togutil tribe is an indigenous hunter–gatherer tribe that leads a nomadic lifestyle along the riverside areas bordering the forest on Halmahera Island, Indonesia. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews spanning four months, with seven key, ten main, and two supporting informants. The results suggested that the Togutil tribe applies a unique ecological hunting calendar and adheres to distinct ethics by using a sustainable 6-2-4 cycle system that can contribute to wildlife conservation. Trappers had three hunting periods: Obutana, Ohinoto, and Oiyata. Hunting activities during the Obutana period were conducted for six months during the rainy season, i.e., from October to April. Peak hunting activities occurred during the Obutana hunting period, when hunters trap wildlife during the fruiting and flowering seasons. Ohinoto is a hunting period that lasts two months, from May to June, marking the onset of the dry season. The Oiyata period extends from July to October (i.e., from the dry season to the beginning of the rainy season). This timing is based on prevalent encounters with wildlife in the forest, specifically during the fruiting and flowering seasons. This study supports future Togutil tribe livelihoods through calendar-based community projects to minimize the loss of vulnerable key species. Consequently, an effective strategy for conserving biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods can be implemented by empowering the Togutil tribe based on their ecological hunting calendar. Our results provide a fundamental understanding of calendar-based hunting practices for future wildlife management and conservation.

How do network embeddedness and knowledge stock influence collaboration dynamics? Evidence from patents

Science, technology, and innovation are becoming increasingly collaborative, prompting concerted efforts to understand and measure the factors influencing these collaborations. This study aims to explore the driving factors and underlying mechanisms of collaboration dynamics based on patent data. Multilayer longitudinal networks are constructed to scrutinize interactions among organizations as well as the embedding of their knowledge elements in the network fabric. We then analyze the structures and characteristics of collaboration and knowledge networks from global and local perspectives, in which process topological indicators and graphlets are used to feature each organization's collaborative patterns and knowledge stock. Knowledge elements are extracted to present the core concepts of patents, overcoming the limitations of predefined categorizations, such as IPC, when representing technological content and context. By performing a longitudinal analysis using a stochastic actor-oriented model, we integrate network structures, node characteristics, and different dimensions of proximity to model collaboration dynamics and reveal the driving factors behind them. An empirical study in the field of lithography finds that organizations with a larger number of partners or a higher number of annular graphlets in their collaboration networks are less likely to collaborate with others. If an assignee has a more extensive range of knowledge elements and demonstrates a higher capability for knowledge combination, or if its local knowledge network exhibits weaker connectivity, its propensity to seek new collaborators increases. Both cognitive and organizational proximity play important roles in fostering collaboration.

Transforming library systems in Africa: advancing literacy and cultural preservation through digital innovation

Transforming library systems in Africa is essential for advancing literacy and preserving cultural heritage in an increasingly digital world. The integration of digital innovation into African libraries has the potential to revolutionize access to information, promote lifelong learning, and safeguard indigenous knowledge. This review explores the role of modern technologies, such as digital archiving, e-libraries, and mobile platforms, in enhancing literacy rates and preserving Africa's rich cultural traditions. By transitioning from traditional, print-based models to digital systems, libraries can bridge the educational gap in underserved communities, offering wider access to educational resources and promoting literacy at all levels. Additionally, digitization facilitates the preservation of local languages, oral histories, and cultural artifacts, ensuring that future generations can engage with Africa's diverse heritage. The challenges of digital transformation in African library systems, including limited infrastructure, funding, and digital literacy, are also discussed. The review emphasizes the need for strategic investments in technology, capacity building, and policy frameworks to create a sustainable digital ecosystem. By harnessing digital innovation, African libraries can evolve into dynamic centers of learning and cultural preservation, contributing to both socio-economic development and the protection of African identities. This transformation is critical to fostering a more educated, culturally aware, and globally connected African society.

Knowledge about medicinal plants held by the inhabitants and traditional practitioners of the village of Mazateupa, Nacajuca, Tabasco, Mexico

The application of herbs for natural healing requires limitless wisdom, discernment and understanding of the natural order of the universe. The good use of our natural resources could solve economic, health and cultural problems, as they are one of the most felt needs in the communities of Mexico and Tabasco. In this sense, the main interest of this research is to analyze the traditional knowledge of the medicinal flora in Mazateupa, Tabasco. The methodology applied is a model of ethnobotanical methodology. Informants were selected and worked with using the snowball technique. Six people were interviewed in the community and 122 species were recorded. Fifty-two percent are herbs. On the other hand, 100 conditions were recorded, however, ten are the most common. There are many conditions that can be treated with different plants, although they are often used alone. There are many conditions that can be treated with different plants, although they are often used alone. Most of the plants, although medicinal, are also used as ornamental plants. This concludes that in the village of Mazateupa, traditional medicine persists.

Girrimarring wiirrilgal bulany ngayanbading (bat nest-type fur sun-like): blending traditional knowledge and western science to create roosting habitat for the threatened golden-tipped bat Phoniscus papuensis

Context Despite being widely distributed along eastern Australia, the golden-tipped bat (Phoniscus papuensis) is listed as Vulnerable in New South Wales (NSW). The 2019–2020 wildfires affected an estimated 40% of foraging and roosting habitat, causing further conservation concern. The species roosts in suspended birds’ nests located along watercourses in rainforest or wet sclerophyll forests. Habitat augmentation is a key recovery action for the species; however, effective techniques are unknown. Aims We integrated western scientific and Indigenous cultural knowledge and practice to deliver an artificial roosting structure for golden-tipped bats, and designed and implemented a collaborative model for habitat restoration, with genuine opportunity for cultural practice and two-way knowledge sharing. Methods In partnership, members of Indigenous groups, western scientific organisations and volunteers shared learnings about bats, culture and caring for Country. Weaving materials were collected from local forests, roosts were woven and hung in rainforest gullies and monitored using remote cameras and direct visual inspection. Key results Golden-tipped bats used woven roosts, suggesting that roosting-habitat augmentation could support recovery of the species. Strong partnerships were established between government conservation programs and local Indigenous communities, engaging younger generations in cultural practice and learning. Delivery models were demonstrated for further collaborative, two-way threatened species projects. Conclusions Golden-tipped bats will use woven structures for roosting. Integrating Indigenous knowledge into threatened species programs can deliver effective conservation outcomes for specialist and cryptic species. Implications Should further broadscale fire, or other impact causing loss of roosting structures occur, community, Indigenous groups or government agencies can utilise this model to implement effective conservation actions together.

Local Use of Mangroves on the Coast of Southeastern México

Mangroves are essential for the well-being of the inhabitants of coastal areas, who have extensive knowledge about the use and exploitation of this resource. However, this knowledge is decreasing, which could trigger negative repercussions for this ecosystem. Ethnobiological investigations make it possible to gather information on the use, management, and exploitation of this resource. Hence, this paper presents a study that is framed around the coastal area of the state of Tabasco, in southeast México, and consists of 74 semi-structured interviews that were carried out, while the local relevance of each mangrove species was evaluated using ethnobiological indices. Three species of mangrove were identified, Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa, and Rhizophora mangle, and the latter species had the highest Use-Value (UV) Index value of 6.08. A total of 27 forms of forestry use were found, 11 for non-timber use and 16 for timber use. Firewood stood out as the main use with 12.6%, while the use of needles to make cloth and crafts represented the lowest percentage with 0.3%. The uses given by the coastal population to the mangroves and their respective species were influenced by immediate needs and specific characteristics of each species. To ensure the sustainability of mangroves, it is essential to design environmental strategies that integrate local ethnobiological knowledge and promote the active participation of direct users of this ecosystem. These strategies should be incorporated into public conservation policies, recognizing the cultural and economic value that mangroves hold for local communities. By implementing these actions, the relationship between communities and their environment will be strengthened, laying the groundwork for further exploration of coastal ethnobiology.

The future of nutrition education for health systems capacity building

Abstract In the ever-evolving landscape of global health, nutrition education plays a pivotal role in shaping the well-being of populations. The future of nutrition education encompasses a holistic understanding of health, considering not nutritional adequacy in health and disease, but also cultural, social, and environmental factors. Tomorrow’s health professionals must also be equipped to address the interconnectedness of nutrition with mental health, sustainability, and community dynamics. Nutrition education will increasingly involve collaboration across disciplines. Health professionals, educators, policymakers, and community leaders must work together to create a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters nutrition literacy. This collaboration extends beyond traditional healthcare settings to schools, workplaces, and local communities. Furthermore, digital transformation will also revolutionise nutrition education. Online platforms, mobile apps, and virtual simulations will enhance learning experiences whilst interactive modules, webinars, and gamified content will engage learners and facilitate continuous professional development. Moreover, telehealth and tele-nutrition will bridge geographical gaps, ensuring access to quality education globally. Cultural sensitivity in nutrition education is also needed across geo-demographic boundaries to appreciate diverse dietary practices, food taboos, and traditional knowledge. Nutrition education should also empower health professionals to advocate for policy change across food systems, promote sustainable practices, and address food insecurity and therefore understanding policy frameworks and participating in advocacy efforts will be key. Finally, embracing the future requires a commitment to lifelong learning to remain at the forefront of nutrition science and its cutting edge as the questions may remain the same but the answers vary significantly as we garner new evidence to navigate evolving global challenges.

Machine Learning-Based Local Knowledge Approach to Mapping Urban Slums in Bandung City, Indonesia

Rapid urban population growth in Bandung City has led to the development of slums due to inadequate housing facilities and urban planning. However, it remains unclear how these slums are distributed and evolve spatially and temporally. Therefore, it is necessary to map their distribution and trends effectively. This study aimed to classify slum areas in Bandung City using a machine learning-based local knowledge approach; this classification exercise contributes towards Sustainable Development Goal 11 related to sustainable cities and communities. The methods included settlement and commercial/industrial classification from 2021 SPOT-6 satellite data by the Random Forest classifier. A knowledge-based classifier was used to derive slum and non-slum settlements from the settlement and commercial/industrial classification, as well as railway, river, and road buffering. Our findings indicate that these methods achieved an overall accuracy of 82%. The producer’s accuracy for slum areas was 70%, while the associated user’s accuracy was 92%. Meanwhile, the Kappa coefficient was 0.63. These findings suggest that local knowledge could be a potent option in the machine learning algorithm.

Document Indigenous Food Ingredients in China through Youth Participation

Abstract Problem Indigenous food systems can affect multiple aspects of Indigenous people’s health and contribute to more efficient, sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems. However, although tens of Indigenous groups live in China, very few projects have targeted their traditional or Indigenous food systems and ingredients. Description of the problem The main purposes include documenting traditional and Indigenous foods and medicine, building multiple social media for public impact, encouraging Indigenous youth participation, and advocating a more sustainable food system in China Results With the collaboration of Good Food Fund China, the project recruited 257 volunteers from 27 ethnic groups. The project collected 418 traditional food ingredients, produced 18 TikTok short videos to introduce Indigenous ingredients with the maximum number of views in a single post of more than 100,000, organized 16 Indigenous food culture knowledge webinars, translated 14 international case studies in Indigenous food systems with the permission of authors, and published 16 articles about Indigenous food ingredients and culture in the writing camp. The online lives also received more than a million total views. The results were presented at COP26 and COP28. More results will continue to be presented to the public through articles, books, academic papers, documentaries, short videos, online webinars, and other forms. Lessons The project demonstrates the potential to use online platforms to advocate and document sustainable food systems and biodiversity through youth participation. More similar projects can be designed in different parts of the world to support sustainable food systems transformation and ignite down-to-earth changes. However, funding and publication channels are still difficulties in the project. Key messages • The first national level youth participation project to document Indigenous food biodiversity in China. • Take advantage of social media and the internet for public impact.

Harnessing nature-based solutions for economic recovery: A systematic review

Nature-based solutions (NbS) involve working with nature to address societal challenges in ways that benefit communities and biodiversity locally. However, their role supporting economic recovery from crises, such as those arising from conflicts or pandemics remains underexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review of 66 reviews on the economic impact of nature-based interventions. Most demonstrated positive outcomes for income and employment, though those with critical appraisal of underlying studies reported more mixed outcomes. These varied results were influenced by factors such as the balance between short-term and long-term gains, market conditions, regional effects, reliance on subsidies, and discrepancies between expected and actual economic benefits. National-scale economic growth assessments were scarce. Half of the cases featured nature-based food production investments, with much evidence from sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and the Pacific. The few reviews comparing NbS with alternatives found that NbS delivered equal or better economic outcomes. NbS also provided broader benefits like food and water security, flood protection and community empowerment. We identified key factors influencing the delivery of benefits and trade-offs, finding that NbS must adhere to best practice standards, with community involvement being critical for equitable outcomes. Well-designed NbS can create diverse job opportunities at different skill levels, diversify income, and improve resilience, offering a rapid, flexible response to economic shocks that can be targeted at deprived communities. By integrating traditional, local and scientific knowledge, NbS can enable eco-innovation, and drive the transition to a clean and efficient circular economy, with high economic multipliers spreading benefits throughout economies. The evidence underscores the need to incorporate NbS in investment programs to concurrently address economic, environmental, and societal challenges. However, improved monitoring of economic, social and ecological outcomes and the development of comprehensive accounting systems are needed to better track public and private investments in NbS.

A perspective on restoration with foundation plants across anthropogenic dry forests of the Southern Cone and the Sahel

Rewilding is a flexible conservation approach that may be applicable to a wide variety of ecological, historical and socio-cultural contexts. We believe that comparative socio-ecological research on woodland habitat trajectories among contexts is an excellent opportunity to consider possible rewilding approaches. Here, we draw on a comparison between arid and seasonally dry woodlands of the Sahel region of Africa and the Southern Cone of South America. The two regions, while sharing a common Gondwanan floral origin, differ in terms of subsequent biogeographical processes and have different climatic gradients. Historically, both regions were colonised, although along different models, and the Southern Cone has experienced greater land-use change and agricultural modernisation. Culturally, both regions have indigenous populations with traditional management techniques and local ecological knowledge, although attention to these topics in research and conservation has had different emphases in each region. Rewilding, focusing on charismatic animals, has been proposed and implemented in some parts of the Southern Cone, but has hardly been mentioned for the Sahel. We discuss the applicability of potential rewilding models involving key plants for each region, and what a plant-focused rewilding practice could gain from a comparative approach in the two regions.

11.Q. Round table: A Guide for creating a code of ethics for public health professionals and institutions

Abstract The professional discipline of public health is driven by its values. Public health professionals face decisions that have far-reaching ethical implications. Our norms, values, beliefs and the way we see the world, as individuals, communities and institutions which serve us, do matter and fundamentally affect our decisions, behaviours, policies, and practice. The ability to be aware and reflect on norms and values when taking decisions, is a decisive professional virtue in public health practice. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) Roadmap for the professionalisation of the public health workforce, has highlighted ethics as an essential pillar for professionalisation, a core competency, and the need for a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for good public health practice. In order to further advance the issue the Global Network for Academic Public Health (GNAPH), ASPHER, the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), the UK Faculty of Public Health and other partners set up an expert international joint working group on public health ethics and law (PHELWG). The PHEL expert working group - which includes senior public health professionals, ethicists, lawyers and academics - has been working to carry out research and develop a guide for creating a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for public health professionals and institutions. This has included consideration of the competencies, principles and values for good public health practice. The project has involved literature review, research and the wide professional experience of the international group of experts who have been working on the issue.The development of a guide for creating a code of ethics for public health professionals and institutions is part of the overall objective of the PHELWG to build a ethico-legal competency, capacity and resilience of public health workforce. The proposed Guide and related resources will be a timely resource, practical tool and support for public health professionals, organisations, or regulatory bodies to develop their own local country code of ethics and build further ethico-legal capacity of their public health professional workforce and institutions. Purpose of the roundtable workshop will be to: - present the guide on creating a code of ethics for public health public health professionals and institutions, which will be launched at that time - Share the proposed ethical competencies/skills, principles and values for good public health practice, with particular consideration of Indigenous knowledge and world views - reflect and consult with the workshop participants around the guide and the proposed pilot sites for implementing the Codes in various centres. Key messages • Development of Code of ethics and professional conduct is a key requirement for public health professionalization. • The Guide for creating code of ethics by international expert group provides significant resource for development of codes locally. Speakers/Panelists Kasia Czabanowska Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands Farhang Tahzib Faculty of Public Health, Haywards heath, UK Paul Athanasopoulos Public Health Department, Stirling, UK

Empowering marginalised communities: Leveraging indigenous knowledge for sustainable energy development in South Africa

AbstractAmidst South Africa's volatile energy landscape—characterised by political turbulence, economic instability and Eskom's chronic financial and operational challenges—the imperative for transformative reform is both urgent and indispensable. Municipalities are confronted with deteriorating infrastructure, recurrent power disruptions and widespread electricity theft, which collectively exacerbate the national energy crisis. This paper investigates the integration of indigenous knowledge systems within the country's energy sector as a strategic response to these persistent challenges, promoting the empowerment of marginalised communities and advancing environmental sustainability. Anchored in the theoretical frameworks of environmental justice and indigenous rights, the paper advocates for Afrocentric paradigms such as traditional resource governance and community‐driven energy solutions. Employing thematic analysis of secondary data, it evaluates the viability and prospective benefits of this paradigm shift. The paper posits that the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in energy practices not only presents tangible solutions to the energy crisis but also cultivates socio‐economic empowerment and reinforces environmental stewardship.

A INFLUÊNCIA DA CULTURA INDÍGENA NA ALIMENTAÇÃO DA REGIÃO AMAZÔNICA

The influence of indigenous culture on the food of the amazon region reveals the importance of food traditions in the configuration of local cultural identity. The main objective of the study is to analyze how local culture determines food choices, considering historical, social and geographical factors. The methodology adopted involves a qualitative approach, using ethnographic methods to explore traditional food practices. The study highlights the biodiverse richness of the amazon and the influence of indigenous peoples on the regional food, emphasizing sustainable adaptation to local flora and fauna. The research identifies main foods such as freshwater fish and tropical fruits, analyzing how cultural festivities and traditions impact food preferences. In addition, the study investigates how globalization and climate change affect dietary practices and access to essential natural resources. Expected results include a greater appreciation of indigenous food practices and the identification of how traditional knowledge contributes to local culinary diversity. The study also aims to provide insights for public policies that support the preservation of food traditions and food security of indigenous populations. In the end, the research hopes to raise awareness about the importance of indigenous food culture and encourage the adoption of more sustainable and.

Ethnotaxonomy and Ethnobotanical Studies of Honey and Resinous Plants in the Tchamba Prefecture in Togo

Natural plant products have gained increasing attention, but climate change and human activities have led to the degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. This study aims to contribute to the preservation of local knowledge related to the classification and use of honey-producing and resinous plants in the Tchamba prefecture, Togo. Ethnotaxonomic and ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-directed interview and focus groups in the four localities, involving 92 respondents. A total of 96 plants of beekeeping were identified, classified into 88 genera, 33 families, and 22 orders, with 16 ethnotaxonomic criteria used for classification. The most common criteria were "plant use" and "plant habit". The study highlights the rich local knowledge of plant uses for food, medicine, and rituals, emphasizing the importance of conserving both biodiversity and cultural heritage. These findings contribute to understanding how indigenous knowledge can support conservation and sustainable use of plant resources.

Researchers’ perceptions of their collaboration with indigenous and local people in environmental change research

Seeking to develop more robust diagnoses and responses to complex societal challenges, researchers increasingly involve non-academic actors in collaborative projects. The associated challenges can have major consequences for local people and indigenous peoples. Particularly intractable are the differences in ways of knowing between researchers and other actors which can affect the importance attached to local and indigenous knowledge. Striving to promote responsible research in projects involving local communities, I investigated how 15 researchers with different disciplinary backgrounds and experience of working with local people in projects focusing on climate change and environmental challenges perceive (1) what triggers the need for research involving local people, (2) what knowledge such projects provide, and (3) what benefits can accrue to local people from such projects. I discuss potential reflexive applications of these perceptions to enhance the inclusivity and fairness of research with local actors. The main triggers question (1) elicited were researchers’ interests, personal views, happiness, desire to help others and the need to understand, collect, study and know (people, their culture, their experiences, their knowledge and concerns, and their ways of adapting to environmental change). Questions (2) and (3) elicited very varied perceptions, mostly relating to projects interviewees had participated in.

Decolonizing Forest: The Myth of Panjurli and Guliga in Kantara (2022)

Colonial ideologies reduce nature to a repository of extractable resources and portray the Indigenous communities’ religious understanding of nature as primitive and unscientific. Decolonization foregrounds the silenced Indigenous epistemes that critique exceptional human paradigms of colonial modernity. This paper examines how traditional religious rituals function as a method of decolonization and discusses their exclusion from Western academia. It focuses on Kantara’s cinematic representation of the Indigenous ritual of Bhoota Kola and the worship of forest deities, Panjurli and Guliga, in the coastal areas of southern Karnataka and Kerala. These rituals emphasize the agency of the environment, where the forest, humans, and deities are porous and permeable. This non-anthropocentric understanding of humans questions the dominance of the secular narratives of posthuman theories in Western academia. Rituals foster ecological behaviours and highlight multispecies relationality, providing alternatives for sustainable futures. In emphasizing Indigenous religious practices, the paper undisciplines the Eurocentric study of religion and questions the disciplinary boundaries between scientific thought and Indigenous knowledge. Thus, this paper argues for the inclusion of regional cinemas from the Global South in Western academia to foreground Indigenous epistemes that undiscipline the study of religion and science.