Global conservation and local lore in a post-colonial society

Conservation efforts in Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains demonstrate the successful integration of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with formal science, contrasting sharply with contestation observed in the Cockpit Country. The study highlights that differences in engagement between formally trained scientists and local TEK holders significantly influence conservation outcomes. Managers in the Blue and John Crow Mountains were more receptive to incorporating local cultural understandings into governance, suggesting that collaborative approaches can bridge global environmental norms and local practices. This research underscores the potential for scientists and policymakers to leverage informally generated knowledge, particularly in developing countries where protected area management often faces complex socio-cultural dynamics.

Fuentes-George, K. (2019). Global conservation and local lore in a post-colonial society. Contesting Global Environmental Knowledge, Norms, and Governance, 144–165. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315166445-9