Integrating Knowledge for the Conservation of Amazonian Biodiversity

The Amazon is the biome of superlatives. As the world’s largest tropical forest and often described as one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, it remains largely unexplored by science. However, much of what is “unknown” to academic researchers is deeply familiar to traditional peoples, such as riverine communities, Indigenous groups, and rubber tappers, who have accumulated ecological knowledge about the ecosystems they inhabit. This knowledge is reflected in the identification of species, the sustainable management of natural resources, and the understanding of ecological interactions. Many of these practices contribute to biodiversity conservation by preventing exploitative practices and promoting the natural regeneration of degraded areas.

Traditional peoples play an essential role in defending their territories and natural resources against illegal activities such as deforestation and mining. They ensure the sustainable management of resources and actively participate in environmental policies, reinforcing the importance of traditional knowledge in the conservation of the Amazon. Therefore, envisioning a sustainable future requires a dialogue of knowledge without hierarchies, strengthening complementarities.

This relationship, however, faces challenges. For many riverine inhabitants, the arrival of scientists can be met with skepticism, especially when their knowledge is treated as secondary. Their understanding of water cycles, fauna, and flora is often considered merely empirical. On the other hand, researchers often lack the training needed to integrate this knowledge. However, an increasing number of studies show that this integration is essential for improving conservation strategies.

There are concrete examples demonstrating how this integration can be fruitful. The dwarf tapir (Tapirus kabomani), officially discovered by science in 2013, had been known for centuries by local populations. The same happened with ornamental fish from the Xingu River and the fungi used in Yanomami basketry. Another example is the community-based management of the pirarucu (Arapaima gigas). By directly observing the fish emerging to breathe, local communities developed a precise counting method to ensure sustainable fishing. This has led to the recovery of wild populations and generated social benefits such as income generation, food security, and strengthened social organization.

How to bring together different knowledge from the perspective of a coastal scientist

For Maria Cunha, one of the authors of this article who moves between the worlds of science and extractivism—a traditional practice of sustainably harvesting natural resources such as fruits, seeds, resins, and fish for personal use, trade, or industrial purposes—the relationship between riverine communities and academic scientists is marked by a complex dynamic of knowledge exchange, mutual understanding challenges, and processes of recognizing traditional knowledge.

This interaction takes place in territories where empirical knowledge, built through direct experience with the natural environment, meets systematized scientific knowledge. For riverine inhabitants, the territory is not just a physical space but a place of belonging and identity formation. Every river, stream, forest, and water cycle carries cultural and practical significance. Knowledge of fishing techniques, land management practices, and the use of medicinal plants is passed down through generations and is based on careful observation of natural cycles.

When academic scientists enter these territories, the encounter can be both enriching and challenging. Many riverine inhabitants initially perceive a sense of distance, whether due to the use of technical language or methodological approaches that sometimes disregard local knowledge. When traditional knowledge is denied or underestimated, many riverine inhabitants feel invisible. However, their accumulated experiences and knowledge, passed down through generations, should not be considered irrelevant, as they have ensured harmonious coexistence with biodiversity for centuries and millennia.

This sense of devaluation can lead to distrust, resistance, and even isolation from researchers, creating barriers that hinder the sharing of valuable information about the territory, the sustainable use of natural resources, and the dynamics of local life. The emotional impact of this denial goes beyond frustration—it affects community pride, collective self-esteem, and the sense of belonging.

On the other hand, when scientists demonstrate a genuine interest in learning, listening, and integrating this knowledge into their studies, an environment of mutual exchange emerges, where academic and traditional knowledge complement each other, forming a powerful confluence, as thinker Nego Bispo would say. This creates a space where science does not merely observe but also listens, understands, and values local voices.

Thus, riverine inhabitants cease to be seen as mere objects of study and instead become protagonists in the production of knowledge, reaffirming the importance of their practices, narratives, and ways of life. Both scientists and communities benefit from this shared heritage, building bridges that respect the diversity of knowledge and strengthen the commitment to cultural and environmental preservation.

Despite progress, challenges remain regarding the power asymmetry between academics and communities, as well as the need for greater institutional recognition of the value of local knowledge. Academic institutions must respect and strengthen this knowledge, acknowledging it as an essential part of scientific knowledge production. It is crucial that research approaches be framed in a way that communities see them as a means of strengthening and adding value to what they already know.

Even unintentionally, research can reproduce colonial practices when it appropriates knowledge without considering the impact on those who share it. One must always ask: Does my research empower or silence? Does it value or render invisible? These questions are fundamental in building a dialogue that establishes a strong relationship between both parties, as knowledge of the territories is perhaps the key ingredient for a fairer and more sustainable Amazon.

Traditional knowledge as a foundation for conservation

Conservation in the Amazon will only be effective if it includes local communities as protagonists. This means actively integrating them into decision-making and territorial management processes. Successful experiences in community-based management demonstrate that conservation is not just an environmental issue but also a social and cultural one.

It is essential to overcome the stereotype that communities are merely passive guardians of biodiversity. They are active agents, bearers of social technologies crucial for balancing sustainable use and preservation. Valuing these practices strengthens both conservation and social justice. For many researchers, conservation is the result of projects, but the Amazon teaches us that it must be a way of life. The protection of biodiversity is closely linked to the quality of local life.

In the face of growing challenges, integrating traditional and scientific knowledge is a necessity. Investing in partnerships that amplify community voices is essential to ensuring that conservation is truly collaborative. After all, there is no way to preserve the Amazon without the people who inhabit it.

_{*Machine translation proofread by Janaína da Silva.}