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Ethnobiology! Until when will the colonialist legacy be reinforced?
Sofia Zank1, Cristiane Gomes Julião2,3, Adriana de Souza de Lima4
1Laboratory of Human Ecology and Ethnobotany (ECOHE), Department of Ecology and Zoology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil. sofiazank@gmail.com.
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
|January 10, 2025
Summary
Publishing ethnobiology data is not yet respectful of Indigenous and Local Knowledge holders' rights. True respect requires decolonizing ethnobiology through equitable collaboration and co-production of knowledge with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC).
Area of Science:
- Ethnobioogy
- Indigenous Knowledge
- Decolonization Studies
Background:
- Ethnobiology has progressed in recognizing Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) rights.
- Colonial legacies persist within ethnobiological research practices.
- An imbalance exists between Western scientific knowledge and IPLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue against the current practices of publishing ethnobiology data as respectful of IPLC rights.
- To highlight the need for decolonizing ethnobiology.
- To advocate for equitable collaboration and knowledge co-production.
Main Methods:
- This essay presents arguments based on the authors' perspectives as Brazilian scientists, including IPLC and non-IPLC.
- It reflects on the academic universe from a multicultural and imbalanced global context.
Main Results:
- Current ethnobiology publishing practices fall short of being fully respectful of IPLC rights.
- Decolonizing ethnobiology is essential for ethical research.
- Intercultural science requires equitable collaboration and co-production of knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Ethnobiology must move beyond recognizing rights to actively decolonizing research.
- True respect necessitates an intercultural science approach, fostering equity between knowledge systems.
- Collaboration and co-production of knowledge with IPLC are paramount for ethical ethnobiological research.
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