Blog

This article examines how conservation can disrupt indigenous Batwa cultural systems and marginalise traditional ecological knowledge, drawing on scoping fieldwork in Southwestern Uganda. It argues that place-based education can support cultural continuity by recognising traditional ecological knowledge as embodied and relational, rather than anecdotal.

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) has been gaining increasing recognition within the discourse on climate change education. Previously, climate education was mainly influenced by Western scientific perspectives, which often overlooked the valuable knowledge held by local and indigenous communities (Massey & Kirk, 2015).

This blog explores how drawing can be used to uncover children’s traditional ecological knowledge and cultural connections to the environment. It summarises three case studies showing how arts-based approaches reveal the myriad ways children understand and represent nature. For instance, children depict scenes of life by the sea, forest activities and diverse cultural perspectives.

This blog explores the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Jakun people, an indigenous Proto-Malay group living mainly in southern Pahang and Johor. It highlights their deep connection to rivers and forests, which shape their livelihoods, beliefs, taboos, and traditional practices. The Jakun continue to practise animism, maintain oral traditions, and use natural resources for medicine and crafts.

This blog discusses the cultural richness and resilience of the indigenous Semai communities in Peninsular Malaysia, focusing on their deep connections to land, language, and spiritual beliefs. It highlights traditional practices such as hill paddy cultivation, nature-inspired proverbs, and oral storytelling that shape their identity and worldview.

This blog examines the critical role of traditional ecological knowledge in enriching climate change education in Malaysia. It highlights the value of intergenerational knowledge transfer, the potential for traditional ecological knowledge to bridge abstract science with lived experiences, and the need for collaborative, culturally sensitive teaching strategies.

This blog explores a range of Jahai hunting, knowledge, spiritual and cultural practices, as well as the impact of tourism, and related socioeconomic challenges, drawing on specific scholarly studies. The aim is to provide a well-rounded picture of the Jahai in the twenty-first century, celebrating their cultural idiosyncrasies, while being honest about the challenges they face in an increasingly globalised society. 

This blog examines the role of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in addressing climate change, drawing from Fikret Berkes’ Sacred Ecology. It discusses TEK’s dynamic, community-based nature and its complementarity with scientific approaches to inform adaptation strategies. The aim is to highlight the value of TEK in fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary solutions to complex environmental challenges.

This blog discusses the integration of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) into curriculum development, focusing on the cultural and ecological insights of indigenous communities in Malaysia. The aim is to highlight TEK's transformative potential in addressing educational and environmental challenges through systemic changes that value indigenous knowledge alongside scientific paradigms.

This blog explores the role of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in addressing climate change by fostering resilience and supporting sustainable adaptation strategies. It discusses the cultural depth of TEK and its potential to complement scientific methods through collaborative efforts. The aim is to emphasise the critical importance of TEK in shaping inclusive, localised, and effective responses to the global climate crisis.