The Role of Indigenous Laws in Environmental Conservation: Reconciling Traditional Knowledge Systems with Contemporary Environmental Governance

Abstract

This paper examines the intersection of Indigenous legal traditions and environmental conservation practices, arguing that Indigenous laws represent sophisticated systems of ecological governance that offer significant contributions to addressing contemporary environmental challenges. Through a qualitative analysis of case studies across multiple jurisdictions, this research demonstrates how Indigenous legal principles such as reciprocity, intergenerational responsibility, and holistic understanding of ecosystems provide alternative frameworks that complement and enhance conventional environmental law. The paper critically evaluates the historical marginalization of Indigenous legal systems and explores current efforts to recognize and incorporate these traditions into formal conservation frameworks. This analysis reveals that meaningful integration of Indigenous laws requires more than symbolic acknowledgment; it necessitates structural reforms that respect Indigenous sovereignty and governance authority. The findings suggest that reconciling these distinct legal traditions creates more effective, equitable, and culturally appropriate conservation approaches that benefit both ecological systems and human communities.