Embedding indigenous and local knowledges with one health: a roadmap for convergence and synergies

Establishing synergies between Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) within One Health frameworks is crucial when addressing the intertwined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, health, and widening social inequalities. Recognizing that different epistemologies, values and practices of different knowledge systems can equally contribute to One Health initiatives is essential to ensure that they are grounded in equity, respect, reciprocity and justice and that they can fulfil their objective of holistic health and well-being of all. Our objective is to highlight the value of building such synergies by drawing on cases studies that demonstrate the critical importance of indigenous and local knowledge and practices--beyond a purely biomedical approach--for strengthening resilience. We also develop a set of practical and policy-relevant recommendations to promote transdisciplinary collaboration between One Health and ILK actors. We propose advancing synergies and convergences across knowledge systems through the co-creation of transformative learning, governance reform, legal recognition, and knowledge co-production.

This article does not seek to speak on behalf of indigenous communities or local knowledge holders. It was co-developed by members of the International Working Group on Education and Communication of the One Sustainable Health for All Forum, most of whom are experienced practitioners engaged in community-led initiatives across different One Health domains around the world. As such, this paper is intended as a practice-oriented contribution to the One Health community, aimed at supporting more equitable, collaborative and impactful community-centred One Health initiatives.