Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment through Traditional Knowledge

One of the keys to identifying habitat loss is through traditional means. During the olden days, the naming of any species happened due to its presence/sightings. But presently, most of the species that have local names are not found in the wild. One of the reasons could be that their numbers are declining or may even have become extinct. Therefore, through the approach of traditional knowledge, species availability and vulnerability assessments can be made.

Elders have an indispensable role in the community. For generations, they have been the source of wisdom and knowledge of various traditions and cultural practices, including those associated with nature. Using such traditional wisdom is an essential asset for many issues that often pave the way for possible interventions. Thus, building a good rapport with the elders, and creating a space for sharing and learning with them, is one of the strengths of the process.

  • The elders are old but wise; make friends with them and gain knowledge.
  • Relying only on theoretical knowledge is not sufficient. Therefore, strolling around the jungle with the elders and listening to various sounds of birds and animals has more practical relevance and creates bonding with nature.
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Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment through Traditional Knowledge
Convergence of Village Level Institutions
Sensitization, Capacity Building and Field Survey for Data Collection and Monitoring
Construction of Innovative Watch Tower
Assisting the Community: Alternative Livelihood Measures
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Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment through Traditional Knowledge
Convergence of Village Level Institutions
Sensitization, Capacity Building and Field Survey for Data Collection and Monitoring
Construction of Innovative Watch Tower
Assisting the Community: Alternative Livelihood Measures
yes
Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment through Traditional Knowledge
Convergence of Village Level Institutions
Sensitization, Capacity Building and Field Survey for Data Collection and Monitoring
Construction of Innovative Watch Tower
Assisting the Community: Alternative Livelihood Measures
yes
Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment through Traditional Knowledge
Convergence of Village Level Institutions
Sensitization, Capacity Building and Field Survey for Data Collection and Monitoring
Construction of Innovative Watch Tower
Assisting the Community: Alternative Livelihood Measures
yes
Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment through Traditional Knowledge
Convergence of Village Level Institutions
Sensitization, Capacity Building and Field Survey for Data Collection and Monitoring
Construction of Innovative Watch Tower
Assisting the Community: Alternative Livelihood Measures
Addressing human-wildlife conflict in buffer zone

Protected areas are a sanctuary for complex species like the Persian leopard, but the moment they leave the safety of the protected area they run into herder camps, their dogs and livestock, increasing the chance that leopards may kill the livestock. Herders may respond by killing the leopards. When protected area staff have good communication with communities in the buffer zone and support them by helping them mitigate the conflict or even better prevent it through the use of several conflict prevention tools, the acceptance of local communities towards leopards can increase.

Communication between protected area staff and local communities;

presentation by protected area staff on wildlife monitoring work done and workshops as opportunities to raise concerns over the presence of leopards and strengthen bonds.

Effective communication and exchanges lead to greater acceptance of leopards as well as identification of hotspots that enable to more efficiently take preventative measures.

Camera traps monitoring

Camera traps have revolutionized wildlife research and conservation, enabling scientists to collect photographic evidence of rarely seen and often globally endangered species, with little expense, relative ease, and minimal disturbance to wildlife. We use them to document wildlife presence, abundance, and population changes, particularly in the face of habitat loss and poaching.

Camera traps are also used to raise conservation awareness worldwide, as a way of reaching out to the public through the internet and social media.

Funding for the equipment, and having staff trained and enthusiastic to use them are critical. Also, the support and approval of the government are essential, especially since camera traps can be “weaponized” against researchers themselves when suddenly they are considered tools for spying.

It is key to have government's support and participation and make sure that the government knows what data is acquired through camera traps. When camera trapping is set in sensitive areas, it’s important that the government partners take decisions as to how the information and images acquired are stored and shared.

Team Bars Turkmenistan
Camera traps monitoring
Addressing human-wildlife conflict in buffer zone