How do Researchers Perceive the Role of Local Knowledge in Natural Resource Management?
Implementing sound natural resource management is a complex issue and a synergy of knowledge from all stakeholders, representing local and outside interests, is the only means to attain sustainable solutions. The results from interviews with a number of researchers working in least developed countries have shown that although indigenous knowledge is acknowledged in the local sphere as site-specific, it is scientific knowledge that is considered universally valid and superior. In conflicting circumstances, local knowledge is often considered wrong without recognizing the existence of different contexts, world views or goals and the many examples of the fallibility of science. As researchers, reflecting upon and understanding one’s own world view and perceptions of different sources of knowledge is important as it affects the way that knowledge held by local communities is treated and whether or not it is included in research and development projects and policy documents.
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