INTEGRATING TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND MODERN CONSERVATION STRATEGIES FOR BIODIVERSITY PRESERVATION IN FRAGILE ECOSYSTEMS

Abstract

Biodiversity loss in fragile ecosystems has become an escalating global concern, driven by anthropogenic pressures and climate change. In response, there is increasing recognition of the need to integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with modern conservation strategies to develop holistic, sustainable solutions. TEK encompasses indigenous practices rooted in generations of interaction with nature, offering context-specific insights into species behavior, land management, and ecosystem resilience.This study employs ecological modeling, including species distribution models (SDMs), to simulate biodiversity outcomes under various conservation strategies. It incorporates qualitative analysis of policy frameworks and quantitative assessments of soil health, species richness, and community engagement across multiple global biomes. Advanced data sources such as environmental DNA (eDNA), remote sensing, and citizen science applications further enrich the methodology.The results reveal that ecosystems managed through TEK exhibit higher species richness, improved soil health indices, and stronger community involvement compared to technocratic models alone. Socioeconomic and ecological resilience is markedly enhanced when conservation efforts include participatory governance, cultural preservation practices, and co-management frameworks. Regions applying hybrid approaches show consistently superior conservation metrics.The study concludes that merging TEK with scientific frameworks not only strengthens conservation efficacy but also empowers indigenous communities and safeguards cultural heritage. This integrated approach offers a scalable and context-sensitive conservation model that aligns with global biodiversity goals and supports long-term ecosystem sustainability. Institutional recognition of TEK, equitable policy integration, and sustained funding are essential to fully realize the potential of this synergistic conservation paradigm.