To What Extent Does Indigenous Local Knowledge Support the Social–Ecological System? A Case Study of the Ammatoa Community, Indonesia

Abstract

Recognition of multiple knowledge systems is essential to facilitate collaboration and mutual learning between different actors, integration across social and ecological systems, and sustainable development goals. This study aims to identify how local knowledge from the indigenous people in developing countries contributes toward supporting the social–ecological system. We use a case study of the Ammatoa community, one of the indigenous communities in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. This study shows how their social and ecological practices are combined to develop their customary area and how the Ammatoa’s customary values contribute towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 15 and 12 of the United Nations, i.e., leveraging local resources for livelihood and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Examples of practices elaborated in this paper are protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, halting biodiversity loss, and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Furthermore, the Ammatoa’s customary values form a sustainable system that not only affects their social aspects, but also their economy and surrounding environment. This research can be used to develop relevant environmental-related interventions related to SDGs 15 and 12 from indigenous peoples’ perspectives.

Bridging the Gap in the Early Warning System for Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Outbreak on Ambae Island, Vanuatu

“…The ITK context is well tailored with a social-eco-environmental framework 11 . Indigenous societies such as Ambae Island, where government services are limited, depend on the natural environment for food sources, manage land use, and obtain information on potential public health risks.…”

Integrating Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge: A Lesson for Nursing

“…A recent article in the journal Science described efforts in New Zealand to not only honor but also to teach Indigenous knowledge in conjunction with scientific knowledge 1. Similarly, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, published the first-ever Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Indigenous Knowledge at the US Tribal Nations Summit in 2022 2. The impetus behind these developments is that we have lost a great deal, particularly with respect to the environment, in ignoring the knowledge and wisdom of those who have stewarded their landscapes and ways of life within cultural contexts.…”

“…Indigenous knowledge or Traditional Ecological Knowledge is “a body of observations, oral and written knowledge, innovations, practices, and beliefs that promote sustainability and the responsible stewardship of cultural and natural resources through relationships between humans and their landscapes.”2 Think about your own cultural heritage. My Italian Grandmothers used home remedies including teas, poultices, and healing rituals that provided comfort, promoted rest and sleep and eased pain.…”