Including indigenous peoples and their knowledge in decision-making is increasingly seen as pivotal for achieving sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity. But indigenous communities often remain isolated from decision-making processes. Their knowledge remains an under-utilised resource despite recognition of the positive contribution that it could make. One reason for this is the communication constraints that exist between indigenous communities and decision makers.
Many indigenous communities also face the accelerating loss of their traditional knowledge. This is due to rapid economic, political and cultural changes at the global – and local – level. Not only is better communication needed with outsiders. Indigenous communities see an equally important need to communicate their knowledge within the community, particularly between generations. Increasingly, they are using digital information communication technologies (ICTs) for a range of different purposes to facilitate this exchange and communication of information, for example, on land use planning, advocacy, and documentation of intangible cultural heritage.
