CABES has published this report to highlight the importance of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) in biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management. The report emphasizes the role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities as key actors in environmental governance and situates ILK within global policy frameworks, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, IPBES, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The report also presents CABES’ approach to mainstreaming ILK across its programme activities, including capacity development, research–policy engagement, and collaboration with Indigenous communities. A case study from southern Africa illustrates practical lessons for sustainability drawn from engagement with Indigenous San communities, demonstrating how Indigenous practices contribute to biodiversity conservation and responsible resource use.