Ethnobiology
Ethnobiology is a rapidly growing field of research internationally. Ethnobiology is the scientific study of dynamic relationships among peoples, biota and environment. This complex diversity of sectors makes the discipline multi-disciplinary in nature. Ethnobiology emanates from, among other disciplines, ecology, anthropology, cognition, evolution,history and even political science. (NSF: 2003). Ethnobiology includes Indigenous knowledge and Traditional Knowledge
Indigenous knowledge
The World Bank (1998) broadly defines the term Indigenous knowledge (IK), as "that knowledge which is unique to a particular culture and society". It is the basis for local decision-making in agriculture, health, natural resource management, and other activities. It is embedded in community practices, institutions, relationships and rituals (The World Bank: IV). This term has evolved, especially its application, with the increase of interest in bioprospecting. According to Zent (2004:4), " the study of IK has passed through several discernible developmental phases during the past 50 years, distinguished on the basis of shifting research foci, methods, and objectives: (a) environmental ethnoscience, (b) theoretical cognitive ethnobiology, (c) modeling the relationship between knowledge and behaviour, (d) the significance of IK for sustainable development and conservation of nature, (e) debates about the valuation, exploitation, and compensation of IK, (f) IK as a critical ecopolitical discourse, and (g) processual perspectives of IK "
Traditional Knowledge
The term Traditional Knowledge (TK) is defined as the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities around the world. Traditional knowledge is developed from experience gained over the centuries and adapted to the local culture and environment. It is transmitted orally from generation to generation. It is seen as very practical knowledge that is applied on a day-to-day basis by local people (Secretariat of the CBD: Article 8(j)). 'Indigenous Knowledge' is sometimes used synonymously with the term Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
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