Application of Indigenous & Local Knowledge (ILK) in IUCN Red List Assessments – White Paper

by Amanda Hull

Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) has been developed over centuries or millennia by indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) and is continuously evolving. It provides a unique and rich source of information on biodiversity and also represents an important aspect of human cultural, and behavioural diversity. There has been increasing recognition over recent years that ILK has an important role to play in environmental decision-making, management, policy, and assessments. Application of ILK into formal scientific processes increases the likelihood that these processes are comprehensive and informed by the best available information. Historically, elements of ILK have frequently been described by visiting scientists and others, but often in a piecemeal way, or with information misunderstood or synthesised, and without attribution. This situation has improved in recent years, although application of ILK in Red List assessments has been limited to date, at least as specifically accredited, although some information from ILK holders may be included within cited reports and publications.

This document examines the issues and general principles surrounding the application of indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) in the IUCN Red List and outlines some key steps. The document builds on discussions that have taken place over the last decade between the IUCN CEESP-SSC Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group and the IUCN SSC Red List Committee and draws on experience from the IPBES ILK Approach. ILK and science are different ‘knowledge systems’ that share some characteristics and should be seen as complementary. ILK has an equal value and is applied like information from other sources or knowledge systems, using the same SIS fields in the Red List process. However, the ways that ILK is accessed will vary, requiring a flexible approach There are no a priori barriers in principle to applying ILK in the Red List which treats information from all knowledge systems equally. However, accessing ILK is not straightforward and a considered and sensitive approach to IPLCs is required, which poses some practical and logistical challenges. A concerted programme by IUCN (Red List Committee, SULi, CEESP, others) together with major partners, is needed to ensure comprehensive and effective application of ILK in Red List assessments.

Please access the document HERE.