Importance of ethnobiology in the conservation of natural resources: A review

Abstract

Ethnobiology examines the complex relationships between humans and nature, highlighting traditional knowledge and the cultural perception of the environment within Indigenous and local communities. However, in the face of the current environmental crisis—which has altered the relationship between human societies and the natural world—there arises a need to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science. Through this integration, the discipline gains greater relevance by combining cultural and scientific understanding to promote biodiversity conservation. In recent decades, various studies have emerged focusing on the protection and conservation of different species and their ecosystems. Within this context, environmental education serves to disseminate this knowledge and foster collective awareness among the population, as it facilitates the transmission of knowledge to society. The integration of ethnobiology with environmental education promotes sustainability by strengthening the connection between humans and their environment, encouraging the conservation and responsible management of natural resources.