Interfacing of Indigenous and Modern Knowledge Towards Effective Community-based Natural Resource Management

Abstract

"Philippine laws recognize the rights of indigenous peoples 'to own, manage, utilize and protect ancestral domains' which they traditionally possess since time immemorial. Most remaining forest covers are situated within these ancestral domains. And in managing and protecting their natural resources its vital to determine a guiding framework that does not alienate them on their culture, traditions and indigenous knowledge. Instead, enhances and develops their community knowledge and cultural practices as traditional forest-keepers while integrating culturally appropriate modern knowledge. This paper presents the entire process of harmonizing indigenous and modern knowledge in coming up with sustainable natural resource management mechanisms. While introducing the GIS technology without prejudice to indigenous viewpoint in looking at spatial conditions of their ancestral territory."