The co-management paradigm emphasizes that all rights-holders and stakeholders, including Indigenous and local communities, must have a place at the science–policy interface. Drawing from Indigenous and local knowledge (IK/LK) can create more comprehensive outcomes, increase transparency and buy-in, strengthen practical management solutions, and broaden the applicability of policy. Such features are particularly important in the contexts of climate-driven species redistribution and the delineation of the ocean through marine spatial planning initiatives.
The first step towards improving inclusivity is recognizing and creating opportunities for diverse perspectives to be heard and considered. This session explores the inclusion of IK/LK within fisheries management and policy frameworks – and within efforts to think about and understand human–biological systems. We also aim to document the rapidly eroding sources of IK/LK and discuss new approaches to including such information in fisheries policy development. We invite presentations on
- How IK/LK has informed scientific studies, influenced policy decision-making, or formed the basis for management.
- Approaches to facilitate inclusivity in management processes (e.g. education programmes or alternate accommodations).
- How IK/LK can be equally considered in management and policy decisions in the future, particularly through supporting rights-holders and stakeholders to provide their direct perspectives.
