Transforming our Relationship with Wild Species through the Wisdom of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

Wild species are rapidly disappearing around the world, posing a significant threat to biodiversity, livelihoods and cultures. The utilization of wild species for medicine, food, energy, construction, recreation, cultural ceremonies and aesthetic values is crucial for human well-being. However,  the methods and high rates of our utilization and extraction are ultimately threatening their survival. The sustainable use of plants, fungi, algae, terrestrial and aquatic animals and tree species is essential for human beings and biodiversity to thrive.

The value of the sustainable use of wild species has been highlighted in the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Assessment Report on the Sustainable Use of Wild Species summary for policymakers approved by the IPBES Plenary at its 9th session in July 2022 in Bonn, Germany.

The report pool of experts included holders of Indigenous and local knowledge that have shed light on the central role of the sustainable use of wild species to the identity and existence of many Indigenous Peoples and local communities and the contribution of their knowledge in enhancing sustainable practices related to wild species. The report also delineates the essential conditions requisite for ensuring the use of wild species by Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Led by UNESCO’s Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) Programme, which hosts the IPBES technical support unit on Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) and the BES-Net ILK support unit,, BES-Net has developed two posters based on messages from the IPBES Summary for Policymakers of the sustainable use of wild species assessment report.