Towards a New Conservation Model: Indigenous Knowledge and Decision-Making to Improve Conservation Efficacy

Abstract

In the United States, a lack of place-based, holistic knowledge and a failure to value Indigenous and local voices in decision-making perpetuates the existence of longstanding environmental issues. Furthermore, the policy process inadequately protects natural resources due to increasing political volatility, lacking value of alternative knowledge-forming processes, and inadequate engagement with local and Indigenous communities. In contrast, Indigenous communities use a different decision-making model than western entities, which generally results in a higher rate of achieving conservation objectives in natural resource management. While there is abundant literature calling for Indigenous co-management, it’s important to understand the difference and value of Indigenous decision-making. The following analysis presents multiple examples of successful Indigenous management and examines the case of aquatic species management in Western Washington, USA. The presented case study highlights that Indigenous decision-making values longstanding place-based knowledge; exercises consensus-based decision-making; and provides open and transparent communication with tribal leaders.