Deciphering Traditional Knowledge Systems for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The concept of “Traditional Knowledge Systems” (TKS) pertains to the knowledge and practices of local communities developed over generations through a deep connection with the natural world and the interconnectedness between individuals and their environment. In today’s society, with global problems such as climate change, inequitable development, and resource depletion, TKS offers crucial insights well suited to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes exploring, managing resources, and promoting practices, like sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, that contribute to social justice and community strength. Essentially, TKS are more than remnants of history, they are evolving repositories of insights that can help society deal with the intricacies of worldwide challenges. They can bring about solutions that are efficient, mindful, and considerate of cultural traditions and local contexts. By acknowledging and integrating TKS into our practices, we can strive towards building a future that benefits all. This paper addresses the challenge of integrating the TKS in policy decisions and proposes a modern scientific framework to support TKS in achieving global sustainability goals. It also shows the potential for TKS as a catalyst for change and a leader in biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, ecosystem conservation, and water management-related challenges, which are increasingly in the context of sustainable and inclusive futures. It has pictured how indigenous agriculture, water conservation, and ecosystem management can achieve sustainability, social well being, and community management by decoding the underlying principles imbibed in these knowledge systems. In addition, the paper argues that if we truly understand TKS’s potential, it is essential not just for enabling environmental sustainability but also for preserving cultural diversity, nurturing resilient societies, and realizing global sustainability targets.