Unleashing traditional ecological knowledge for biodiversity conservation and resilience to climate change in Rwanda

A significant portion of local communities around Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda (71%), adheres to biodiversity conservation principles, with tree species being the most widespread within the park. However, bush burning remains a prevalent practice outside its boundaries (86.5%). Controlled tree cutting and awareness of biodiversity-conserving measures are protective factors against environmental degradation. The study highlights that while traditional ecological knowledge plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, its universal adoption is not guaranteed among locals. These findings underscore the potential of integrating indigenous practices with modern conservation strategies to enhance resilience against climate change.

Taremwa, N. K., Gasingirwa, M.-C., & Nsabimana, D. (2021). Unleashing traditional ecological knowledge for biodiversity conservation and resilience to climate change in Rwanda. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 14(1), 204–215. https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2020.1821948