Connecting diverse knowledge systems for enhanced ecosystem governance: the multiple evidence base approach

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Social science
• Knowledge systems integration

Background:

• Indigenous and local knowledge systems offer valid insights for understanding biodiversity and ecosystem governance for human well-being.
• Global assessment programs like the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) require mechanisms for integrating diverse knowledge systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the multiple evidence base (MEB) as a novel approach for creating synergies across indigenous, local, and scientific knowledge systems.
• To propose a framework for legitimate, transparent, and constructive integration of diverse knowledge for global environmental assessments.

Main Methods:

• The multiple evidence base (MEB) approach conceptualizes knowledge systems as generating different, complementary manifestations of knowledge.
• MEB emphasizes that knowledge evaluation primarily occurs within, rather than across, individual knowledge systems.
• This approach facilitates triangulation and joint assessment of knowledge from various sources.

Main Results:

• MEB generates an enriched understanding of complex issues by incorporating diverse knowledge perspectives.
• Complementarities between knowledge systems lead to new insights and innovations.
• The approach provides a foundation for further knowledge generation and collaborative assessment.

Conclusions:

• Integrating indigenous, local, and scientific knowledge through the MEB approach enhances our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem governance.
• MEB offers a functional mechanism for creating synergies across knowledge systems in global assessment programs.
• This framework supports more comprehensive and robust environmental assessments for human well-being.