EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Local knowledge systems have been found to contribute to sustainability in diverse fields such as biodiversity conservation, maintenance of ecosystem services, tropical, ecological and bio-cultural restoration, sustainable water management, genetic resource conservation and management of other natural resources.
New conservation approaches applied in Sabah include TK, community participation as well as partnership and also the growing involvement of NGOs. As mentioned in the 10th Malaysian Plan, the government is going to ensure equitable and sustainable utilization of resources by highlighting the local community’s role in conservation and utilization of environmental resources. Initiatives involving local communities include co–opting local communities in conservation effort and introducing the access and benefit sharing framework.
This article is concerned with the adaptation of Traditional Knowledge (TK) into conservation practice in Sabah. The most popular practices in Sabah according to TK, are the Tagal system, traditional farming, the rehabilitation of traditional medication and medicinal plants, as well as forest preservation. Most of the conservation methods have been refined and expanded into the community.
Several sections are covered in this paper which are:
- The Indigenous Communities, Traditional Knowledge and Conservation Practices in Sabah
- Conclusion
Special note: This paper is the result of a specific research that was conducted for GlobinMed which include several interviews with related sectors.
