Week 7: Advancing Environmental Sustainability and Global Stewardship: The Role of Local and Traditional Environmental Knowledge, Part 2
Introduction
This two-week topic represents a shift from studying past and current problems to examining advancements and potential solutions. This topic will engage students in exploration and dialogue about the environmental philosophies, traditions and practices of the world’s Indigenous Peoples (IP). In this second part, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) will be introduced as an advancement in environmental sustainability practices.
This Week, You Will be Expected to:
- Further explore TEK
- Read a case study of a partnership between the University of Windsor and the Walpole Island First Nation
- Integrate an exploration of LEK with what you have learned thus far in the course, with a focus on environment sustainability
- Consider the role local citizens could play in the advancement of environmental sustainability and global stewardship
- Update your glossary of terms and submit it to your supervisor for evaluation
Questions to Consider Throughout this Week:
- What is the difference between TEK and LEK?
- How can LEK be useful to the goal of global sustainability?
Readings and Content
- Picking up Where Part 1 Left Off:
How Are IP Organizing/Working to Solve Environmental Issues and Challenges?
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- Browse all chapters: State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Volume 1
TEK and Higher Education Partnership
2. Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK)
Defining LEK
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- See ‘What is TEK/LEK’ in contents of: Forests and Oceans for the Future: Policy Stream Report
- Skim “Biogeochemistry and Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Practices in Japan” in: Earth Stewardship: Linking Ecology and Ethics in Theory and Practice, for a good example of TEK.
LEK in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Sustainability
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- Joa, B., Winkel, G., & Primmer, E. (2018). The unknown known–A review of local ecological knowledge in relation to forest biodiversity conservation. Land Use Policy, 79, 520-530.
Additional Resources You May Find Useful
