Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the Sustainable Development Goals: Integrating Indigenous Wisdom for Global Sustainability

Traditional Ecological Knowledge encompasses the experiences and practices that Indigenous peoples have developed and passed down over the years, enabling them to live in balance with the land. This paper examines how the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, aiming to help address problems related to global sustainability. When TEK principles are compared to the SDGS, the study highlights how they can contribute to reducing poverty, ensuring food security, strengthening efforts for biodiversity conservation, and making societies more resilient to climate change. TEK focuses on solutions that align with local cultures and are environmentally friendly, in addition to utilising modern science and policy. On the other hand, the marginalization of Indigenous people, difficulties with intellectual property laws and the loss of important traditions stand in the way of applying the policies. By focusing on documentation, ensuring institutions work hand in hand, and utilising inclusive governance, TEK can play a central role in global sustainability. It makes the case for combining TEK with modern methods to build resilience, fairness and sustainable communities.