The remnants of the sub-Andean forest in Colombia are key ecosystems due to their high biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide to communities. However, human activities such as deforestation and fragmentation have put them at risk, highlighting the need for conservation and restoration strategies. Although neotropical forests have been studied, there remains a knowledge gap regarding species with potential for the restoration of degraded areas in this life zone. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize species with ecological restoration potential in a forest remnant. Floristic surveys and structural analyses were conducted using 14 Gentry-type transects. A total of 181 vascular plant species were identified, distributed across 72 families, with Piperaceae and Lauraceae being the most diverse. Nineteen species with high restoration potential were selected based on ecological and biocultural attributes such as structural capacity and seed production. The study highlights the value of sub-Andean remnants as biodiversity reservoirs and restoration tools. The integration of local and biocultural knowledge is essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of these processes.

Ethnomycology, a specialized branch of ethnobotany, explores the dynamic relationships between humans and fungi, with particular emphasis on their roles in traditional and alternative medicine, food, rituals, and ecological stewardship. Among indigenous communities, fungi have long held a place not only as a food source but also as potent agents in folk healing systems, natural therapies, and preventive care. Despite their cultural and medicinal importance, these knowledge systems remain under-documented and increasingly vulnerable to erosion due to modernization, loss of oral traditions, and habitat degradation. This study investigates the ethnomycological practices of the Kani settlement at Chemmankala in the Peppara Forest Range of Kerala, with a focus on fungal diversity, classification, and utilization. Field surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted with local informants to document fungal species, collection methods, preparation techniques, and perceived therapeutic and nutritional benefits. Particular attention was paid to fungi traditionally used in healing practices, wound care, immunity boosting, and dietary regulation. Specimens were collected and identified through both morphological and microscopic analyses, and their ethnomedical applications cross-referenced with existing scientific literature and pharmacological databases. The findings reveal a rich tapestry of culinary, medicinal, and ecological uses of fungi among the Kani people and underscore deeply rooted traditional conservation ethics that promote sustainable harvesting and habitat care. This study not only contributes to the ethnomycological literature but also reinforces the urgent need to preserve indigenous medical knowledge systems, support biocultural diversity, and promote the integration of traditional health wisdom into broader frameworks of alternative medicine and holistic health.

Background: The article deals with the status of wild edible plants and their traditional utilization by different villagers of Manipur. The identification of plants useful to man from among naturally found plants do commenced in pre-historic times. Several of these plants are useful in different ways such as food, clothing, shelter, transport, medicine, etc. These useful plants were domesticated by the ancient local peoples in our state. Objectives: In course of time, the cultivation of many of these plants spread over from the area of domestication to new areas through plant acclimatization and plant breeding. Most of the local peoples of the village purely depend to the wild edible plants for their socio-economic purposes. Materials And Methods: Study sites were from the five valley districts of Manipur. The authors find out some information on the wild edible plants of Manipur from well-known sources categorizing them into: Wild edible: fruits; medicine; stem, tuber and rhizome; spices and vegetables (Singh and Arora 1978). Results: The present paper is based on the published records, but findings of wild edible plants are not yet complete. In this paper 15 species were found under the fruit category; 15 species of wild edible plants were under medicinal plants. In spices, there were 9 species, in vegetable 14 species there are. Not only were these other 10 species found under the category for both rhizome and tuber eatable wild species. Conclusion: Most of the valuable wild edible plants became extinct due to over exploitation and several disturbances to the forest ecosystem. Thus, the traditional knowledge of wild edible plants is declined day by day. Therefore, the present study shall be emphasized for the protection and conservation of the extinct wild edible plant species for the welfare of the future generation.

The failure of top-down conservation in natural resource management continues to provoke resistance led by local communities. This study analyzes how the coastal community of Torosiaje constructs a polycentric governance system through collective action in response to ecological crises and to the state's appropriation of living space, aiming to achieve blue justice in the management of marine and coastal resources. The complex, polycentric governance in joint management involves various actors, including the state, local communities, and the private sector, who collectively play active roles in decision-making for sustainability. Meanwhile, blue justice requires the fair distribution of natural resources and ecosystem benefits, which is pursued through the collective struggle of the community against ecological injustice. Using social movement and political ecology theories as an analytical framework, this research redefines Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) as a more inclusive and responsive model to local dynamics. A qualitative case study design was employed through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, which were subsequently analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that integrating local knowledge and formal rules, embodied in the paddakuang and sipakullong conservation groups, results in a more adaptive and just CBNRM model in response to resistance. Cross-village collaboration, participatory ecotourism, and culture-based education strengthen the socio-ecological dimensions of this polycentric governance. This study contributes theoretically by applying social movement theory to redefine successful CBNRM. It argues that sustainable governance is a political outcome shaped by community resistance to ecological injustice and state dispossession, rather than merely a technical model.

ABSTRACT Indigenous peoples are considered the most marginalized communities in the Philippines, and these communities are the recipients of various government social welfare programs. The design and delivery of these programs rarely involves consultation with Indigenous communities to determine what the communities want. Social workers frequently work in the programs often without adequate knowledge of Indigenous culture as Indigenous knowledge has been subjugated in Philippine social work education. This paper reports on a study in which the Indigenous Talaingod Manobos leaders of Mindanao shared their healing and helping practice framework which comprises Indigenous knowledge and elements, such as Land, Indigenous Rituals, and Indigenous collectivity. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the Indigenous healing and helping practice framework which could be included in Philippine social work education contributing to a more culturally informed and potentially decolonizing social work pedagogy.

Abstract Indigenous and local knowledge illuminate critical connections between social and ecological systems in the Arctic, including how environmental change impacts intangible aspects of cultural heritage and identity. Interviews revealed that the core themes of Iñupiaq identity included cultural pride, hunting and fishing, traditional foods, whaling, and heritage. We connect Iñupiaq identity to environmental change through the three themes of permafrost degradation, loss of ice, and severe weather using the case study of Utqiaġvik, Alaska. Results found that Indigenous and local people perceive issues of environmental change in unique ways regarding adaptation and potential outcomes.

Indigenous knowledge and treatment practices for post-traumatic joint stiffness and soft tissue contracture using ischial callosities of Papio hamadryas in rural and urban communities of Tigray-Ethiopia.

Ethnobotanical insights into the traditional use of six medicinal plants in Morocco: Therapeutic applications, indigenous knowledge, and scientific valorization

This research is driven by the urgent need to produce university graduates who are not only scientifically competent but also creative and possess a strong appreciation for local wisdom, aligning with the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision and the National Research Master Plan's focus on local knowledge. A preliminary problem analysis identified a gap: the absence of ethnoscience-based STEM (Ethno-STEM) teaching materials specifically designed for university students to enhance their appreciation of local wisdom and creativity. This study aims to analyze the need for Ethno-STEM course materials, which will subsequently be developed into a valid, practical, and effective product. A descriptive mixed-methods approach was employed. Data were collected through document analysis of the semester learning plan, a questionnaire administered to 25 students, and semi-structured interviews with 4 science course lecturers. The results indicate that: (1) The document analysis of the STEM course semester learning plan at UNISLA explicitly mandates the integration of local wisdom and ethnoscience in its learning outcomes. (2) The questionnaire results show that an average of 88% of students expressed a high need for Ethno-STEM teaching materials to improve four key aspects: appreciation of local wisdom, creativity, learning interest, and conceptual understanding. (3) Lecturers confirmed difficulties in finding ready-to-use, structured teaching resources to support the Ethno-STEM project-based learning. The novelty of this study lies in its specific mapping of needs, providing an empirical justification for developing Ethno-STEM teaching materials at the higher education level. It is concluded that there is a valid and urgent need to develop systematic Ethno-STEM teaching materials to support curriculum implementation and enhance the quality of learning in the Science Education Program at UNISLA.

Purpose This paper departs from the catastrophic floods that struck Valencia in 2024 to highlight how unplanned urbanization and excessive confidence in conventional hydraulic engineering have exacerbated flood risk in the region. Instead, we advocate for integrating Nature-based Solutions drawn from approaches to flood management by traditional Mediterranean societies, especially in the so-called Boquera irrigation systems developed in Mediterranean societies since the Muslim period and aimed at redirecting floodwaters to agricultural terraces thus reducing erosion, mitigating flood peaks and enriching soils. However, boqueras were abandoned since the mid-20th century, leading to landscape degradation, increased flood risks and loss of hydraulic heritage. Design/methodology/approach The paper represents a synthesis of the work by the authors in the Spanish Southeast, documenting through written materials and fieldwork, the most salient characteristics of Boquera systems. Our approach is historical, but we also review current evidence of how boqueras may have inspired current solutions to flood management, for example in the design of flood parks. Findings The most relevant finding is the strong connection between traditional and current alternative approaches to flood management by using hydrological processes and elements such as runoff, infiltration, storage and evapotranspiration to reduce the risk component of floods and enhance the resource dimension. Table 1 contributes with current examples of flood management using NbS in the study area. Research limitations/implications Due to the historical approach taken by the paper no new, quantifiable materials on floods have been added. Practical implications We suggest possible reference to traditional systems at the local, reginal and national scales of flood management. Originality/value The integration of traditional hydraulic knowledge and practice represented by boquera systems and modern alternatives such as Nature based Solutions is a novel approach in flood planning and management still little known but with an important potential.

Soqotra Island is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, harboring approximately 825 plant species, 307 of which (37%) are endemic. Despite its rich traditional knowledge, many of these plants remain scientifically underexplored. This study, for the first time, investigates the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and molecular interactions of Acridocarpus socotranus, an endemic species traditionally used to treat rheumatism and skin disorders. A comprehensive UHPLC-MS analysis of the methanol leaf extract identified 25 phytochemicals, classified into seven major categories: alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, glycosides, steroids, and other organic compounds. The extract exhibited a high phenolic content (95.6 ± 4.90mg GAE/g). Enzyme inhibition assays revealed that the extract effectively suppressed the activity of several enzymes, including mushroom monophenolase (IC₅₀: 125µg/mL), diphenolase (IC₅₀: 191.07µg/mL), xanthine oxidase (IC₅₀: 127.8µg/mL), and glyoxalase I (IC₅₀: 0.27µg/mL). Cytotoxicity testing showed that the extract was very effective at stopping the growth of colorectal cancer (SW480 and HCT116) cells (IC₅₀: 259.7 ± 12.1 and 146.3 ± 10.9µg/mL, respectively), but it was less effective against breast cancer (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) and prostate (PC3) cell lines (IC₅₀ > 350µg/mL). . Molecular docking further confirmed these findings, revealing that phytochemicals from A. socotranus can effectively bind to glyoxalase I and to a conserved pocket of the salivary protein tablysin-15. The observed binding patterns resemble those of known antagonists that neutralize inflammatory mediators rather than blocking their receptors. These antagonist-like interactions suggest a potential anti-inflammatory mechanism, thereby providing additional therapeutic value.

The demands of a globalized economy challenge organizations to manage knowledge effectively across diverse cultural landscapes. Traditional knowledge management (KM) systems prioritize efficiency but often lack the cultural adaptability and ethical flexibility required in multicultural contexts. Drawing from Peter Drucker’s management philosophy, this paper introduces a Yin-Yang framework for cross-cultural KM, merging the structured capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) with the adaptive, ethically guided insights of human intelligence. In this model, AI functions as the “Yin” component, delivering scalable, consistent processing, while human intelligence embodies the “Yang” element, contributing cultural sensitivity and ethical discernment. Synthesizing findings from 35 recent studies, this framework addresses critical limitations in current KM models by embedding cultural intelligence (CQ) into KM practices, enabling organizations to apply AI-driven insights that respect local norms and values. This approach supports sustainable knowledge sharing, ethical decision-making, and an adaptable feedback cycle informed by human input. Practical implications for multinational organizations include improved cross-cultural collaboration and an ethically aligned, responsive KM system. Future research directions are proposed to empirically evaluate the framework’s adaptability and effectiveness across various sectors.

The factors influencing the adoption of technological innovations and technical proposals among small-scale producers in the rural area of Formosa, Argentina, are analyzed. Using a qualitative exploratory-descriptive approach, 23 interviews with small producers and 12 with extension technicians were conducted, complemented by participant observation in training sessions and workshops. The material analysis, through cycles of coding and categorization based on Grounded Theory, allowed for the identification of significant response patterns. The results indicate that, in addition to economic factors, producers’ perceptions of innovations, access to inputs, and the cultural compatibility of proposals play a crucial role in adoption. It was also observed that a trust-based relationship with technicians facilitates openness to suggested practices. The conclusions highlight that innovation adoption is multicausal, where psychosocial and cultural factors play an important role. A trust-based relationship between technicians and producers is essential to facilitate a sustainable adoption of innovations, adapted to the local cultural and economic conditions. It is proposed that rural development initiatives incorporate participatory approaches and consider local knowledge to better align with the needs and values of the producers.

Developing projects based on the circular economy is key to transforming traditional production models into sustainable and regenerative systems. In this context, Fab Labs are strategic spaces for experimentation, prototyping, and open innovation, where design, science, technology, and local knowledge converge around environmental challenges. Within this framework, the exploration of bio-based materials and their DIY (Do-It-Yourself) characteristics not only generates new materialities but also presents a unique opportunity for knowledge transfer to communities, fostering citizen ownership and active participation in the ecological transition. The article presents the Smartextil case study, developed at the ProteinLab Fab Lab at the Metropolitan Technological University (Chile). This project explores the convergence between biomaterials, electronics, and 3D printing applied to clothing design, also proposing a model for knowledge transfer from the Fab Lab to the community. The methodology includes experimentation phases, the creation of an open-source toolkit, practical workshops, and the final validation. The results show that, beyond the production of functional textile prototypes, the project achieved effective knowledge acquisition by the participants. It demonstrates that it is possible to establish alternative avenues of distributed education, capable of strengthening local innovation and offering alternatives to mass consumption. In conclusion, Smartextil is an effective strategy for empowering communities with sustainable tools, consolidating Fab Labs as catalysts for circular economies at the local level.

From ancient times to the current digital era, the pursuit of happiness has remained the most painstaking human endeavor. This paper presents a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 to explore the application of indigenous knowledge within higher education. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework has guided this systematic review. Only 10 studies were selected for this study from various databases, including Scopus, JSTOR, and ERIC. The findings suggest that profound misunderstandings impede the attainment of happiness, particularly from an African perspective. Other studies have indicated that the commercialization and marketization of African universities have led to the replacement of happiness with satisfaction, as these institutions shift towards consumer theory. The review reveals that other societies, particularly in the East, have found happiness in their education systems through the application of indigenous, local knowledge. In conclusion, this paper contends that the African must discard the negative perception of indigenous knowledge and seek new ways of entrenching local traditions and wisdom to improve happiness levels within learning contexts. This paper recommends empirical research to understand how indigenous knowledge can be applied to increase happiness in higher education institutions.

For rural communities engaged in rainfed agricultural systems, climate variability and change are substantial concerns. In response, many communities have implemented strategies to face climate challenges. This study examines the strategies implemented by indigenous farmers engaged in rainfed agriculture systems to address the impacts of climate variability and change in four communities in the Huasteca Potosina, Mexico. The research, based on participatory methods, included in-depth interviews with key actors, stakeholder surveys, participatory workshops, and participant observation, as well as triangulation of information. In the study area, erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and prolonged droughts are the main climate changes that threaten the livelihoods, local economies, and cultural identities of the indigenous farming communities. The most widely adopted strategies to address adverse climate conditions included soil conservation, land management, and participation in working groups. Emerging strategies involve training and capacity building supported by government programs. Necessary but less common practices were mainly associated with water management. The government programs have promoted several of these strategies, while others have emerged from empirical knowledge. A close relationship was found between traditional knowledge, institutional frameworks, and the availability of resources of time and money for the implementation of these strategies. Consolidation of the most effective strategies requires institutional support to be maintained, so changes in current agricultural policy could negatively impact many advances. Effective adaptation strategies in the face of expected climate change must consider the specific socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions.

ABSTRACT The study explores the attitudes of Indian shepherds in Karnataka toward wolves, focusing on the Gadag District near Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary. Through 42 qualitative interviews, the study reveals a generational shift: older shepherds (over 30 years old) view wolves as sacred and beneficial, whereas younger shepherds perceive them as threats to their livelihoods. Despite significant livestock losses, tolerance persists, particularly among older shepherds, due to cultural beliefs and traditional practices. The findings emphasize the critical role of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary conservation approaches – such as strategic fencing, the use of livestock-guarding dogs, community-based management, awareness initiatives, improved compensation mechanisms, and the preservation of grazing lands – to facilitate sustainable coexistence between humans and wolves. The findings underscore the need for collaborative approaches that respect cultural values and address economic challenges, ensuring the sustainability of both pastoralism and wolf conservation in India.

ABSTRACT This study examines how the People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI), an alternative media platform, engages with climate change narratives in India. Dominant climate discourses, particularly in mainstream media, often adopt technocratic and universalizing approaches that prioritize urban, elite, and state-sanctioned perspectives, while neglecting the voices, knowledge systems, and lived experiences of rural and Indigenous communities. Against this backdrop, the study employs a decolonial lens to analyze how PARI challenges these dominant frameworks by documenting rural and Indigenous experiences, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and local resilience strategies. Through an in-depth analysis of selected climate-focused content, including articles, photo essays, and oral histories, this study reveals how PARI embeds climate narratives within the wider socio-historical, cultural, and political contexts, highlighting intersections of colonial histories, caste, gender, and livelihoods. The findings show that while PARI diversifies climate communication and contributes to broader decolonization efforts, tensions arise in translation, editorial mediation, and the negotiation between mainstream journalistic norms and alternative storytelling practices.

This study examines the strategic development of marine tourism events through an integrated analytical and planning framework at Minang Rua Beach, Kelawi Tourism Village, South Lampung. Employing a descriptive qualitative design, the research synthesises field observations and semi-structured interviews, along with SWOT and GAP analyses, to evaluate destination readiness and identify critical determinants shaping event feasibility. The findings reveal that Minang Rua Beach benefits from strong accessibility, diverse natural and cultural assets, active community support, and the presence of indigenous knowledge systems. Nevertheless, several structural constraints persist, including limited engagement from governmental and private-sector stakeholders, suboptimal management of tourism attractions, and inadequate development of cultural arts and MSME branding. The GAP assessment indicates an overall readiness level of 87.5%, reflecting a generally favourable baseline with a measurable scope for improvement. Drawing on Goldblatt’s five-phase event planning model—research, design, planning, coordination, and evaluation—the study proposes a contextually grounded event development framework that emphasises enhancing destination quality, cultural revitalisation, human capital empowerment, and MSME advancement. Conceptually, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on event-based coastal tourism by demonstrating how strategic analytical tools can be operationalised within community-based governance structures to strengthen sustainable marine tourism development.

This study assessed the community-based conservation efforts of monkeys in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria, with a focus on local knowledge systems, cultural beliefs, attitudes, and levels of participation in conservation practices. The research was prompted by increasing urbanization and deforestation, which threaten the survival of native monkey species such as Cercopithecus mona (Mona monkey) and Erythrocebuspatas (Patas monkey). A total of 100 structured questionnaires were administered across selected communities in Awka South and North Local Government Areas to gather data on awareness, perception, and community involvement in monkey conservation. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results showed that awareness of monkey conservation was high (83%), and most respondents (81%) recognized the cultural or spiritual significance of monkeys. However, only 12% had actively participated in conservation programs, despite 98% expressing willingness to engage in future initiatives. Habitat loss (93%) emerged as the most significant threat to monkey survival, followed by human–monkey conflicts (92%), largely due to urban expansion and deforestation. The study further revealed that respondents were predominantly young to middle-aged adults with tertiary education, suggesting a potentially informed and capable population for conservation advocacy. The findings highlight that community-based conservation in Awka is culturally rooted and socially accepted but lacks institutional and technical support. Strengthening collaboration between local communities, traditional leaders, government agencies, and conservation experts is essential to translate willingness into action. The study concludes that integrating indigenous knowledge with modern conservation frameworks can enhance sustainable wildlife management in urbanizing Nigerian cities.