Experts' perspectives on the integration of Indigenous knowledge and science in Wet Tropics natural resource management

Gratani, Monica, Bohensky, Erin L., Butler, James R.A., Sutton, Stephen G., and Foale, Simon (2014) Experts' perspectives on the integration of Indigenous knowledge and science in Wet Tropics natural resource management. Australian Geographer, 45 (2). pp. 167-184.

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DOI: 10.1080/00049182.2014.899027

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00049182.2014....

Abstract

Aboriginal inhabitants of the Wet Tropics of Queensland advocate for greater inclusion of their Indigenous knowledge (IK) in natural resource management (NRM) to fulfil their customary obligations to country and to exert their Native Title rights. Despite a legal and institutional framework for inclusion of IK in NRM, IK has so far been applied only sporadically. We conducted an ethnographic case study to investigate perceptions on IK, science and how they affect integration of the two knowledge systems in the Wet Tropics. Our results show that IK and science are perceived as different concepts; that integration is limited by weak Indigenous internal and external governance; and that stronger Aboriginal governance and more focused engagement strategies are required to further the application of IK in local NRM. We conclude by arguing that NRM in the Wet Tropics needs to be reconceptualised to accommodate IK holistically, by considering its epistemology and the values and ethic that underpin it.


Item ID:	35396
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1465-3311
Keywords:	Wet Tropics, Indigenous knowledge, traditional ecological knowledge, Indigenous governance, Indigenous environmental values
Funders:	James Cook University (JCU), Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Date Deposited:	18 Sep 2014 01:59
FoR Codes:	05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050201 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Environmental Knowledge @ 50% 05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050209 Natural Resource Management @ 50%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9599 Other Cultural Understanding > 959999 Cultural Understanding not elsewhere classified @ 50% 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9699 Other Environment > 969999 Environment not elsewhere classified @ 50%
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