22 / 24
Notes:
Volume 4
Trends in Green Chemistry
ISSN: 2471-9889
Page 94
JOINT EVENT
Environmental Chemistry 2018 &
Green Technologies 2018
September 20-22, 2018
September 20-22, 2018 Berlin, Germany
&
7
th
Edition of International Conference on
Green Energy, Green Engineering and Technology
8
th
International Conference on
Environmental Chemistry and Engineering
The importance of traditional ecological knowledge and indigenous knowledge for sustainability and
green practices
Samantha Chisholm Hatfield
Oregon State University, USA
Statement of the Problem:
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is vital aspect often sorely
overlooked worldwide. IKs have vast depth informational systems that provide aspects which often transcend western science
methodology. Sustainability for Indigenous groups is vital, and means survival not only for the short term, but additionally
continued presence in the area for the long term. These Indigenous groups are often the first to notice changes and make
alterations to the mannerisms and applications for lifestyles and practices. Indigenous groups have been increasingly tapped
for their knowledge about environmental adaptation measures, because of their excellence in sustainability and green
practices. These efforts have been the same green practices behaviors which have been assisting and facilitating maintenance
and reciprocal relationships with the earth and natural resources so that continuation can continue in the least restrictive and
damaging aspects for the Peoples, as well as the earth.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation:
Using social science methodologies that have included participant in-depth
interviews led to new, unique findings.
Findings:
Indigenous systems contain a wealth and depth of information, particularly cueing in on climate change effects
and adaptation measures faster than non-Indigenous communities because of the exceptionally close connection to the land.
Identifications of issues, as well as responses have been shown to be more reliable than the applied western scientific methods.
Conclusion & Significance:
Holistic systems that are commonly traditional contain information that can benefit and assist
communities worldwide, as well as those who rely on commonly utilized western-scientific methodologies. Recommendations
are made for incorporating further IK and TEK methodologies for a better utilization addressing issues for improved and
ongoing greening efforts.
shatfield@coas.oregonstate.eduTrends in Green chem 2018, Volume 4
DOI: 10.21767/2471-9889-C2-012