Revitalizing traditional ecological knowledge: a study in an Alpine rural community

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Human Ecology

Background:

• Alpine cultural landscapes are undergoing significant transformations due to global change.
• Understanding the persistence and transmission of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is crucial for effective conservation strategies.
• The Montagne community in the Italian Alps serves as a case study for analyzing these dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current status of ecological knowledge within the Montagne community.
• To investigate the relationship between TEK transmission, land use changes, and social shifts.
• To inform conservation policies by highlighting the value of TEK.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of historical land use changes, particularly forest expansion, using aerial photography.
• Quantification of changes in biodiversity-related knowledge through inter-generational plant species recognition.
• Identification of key social, institutional, and ecological variables shaping the landscape.

Main Results:

• Significant land use changes, notably forest expansion, have occurred over the past 60 years.
• Inter-generational differences in plant recognition indicate a potential decline in biodiversity knowledge.
• TEK is intrinsically linked to land use patterns and community vitality.

Conclusions:

• The protection and recovery of TEK are essential for enhancing community sovereignty and vitality in European rural areas.
• Conservation strategies should integrate TEK to ensure cultural and ecological resilience.
• Concrete actions are proposed for the Montagne community to support TEK.