Considering diverse knowledge systems in forest landscape restoration

If forest landscape restoration (FLR) aims towards living sustainably within landscapes and restoring degraded socio-ecological systems, then integrating lessons of Traditional and Western knowledge systems can inform this effort (c.f. Ruiz-Mallen and Corbera, 2013). Knowledge systems represent much more than repositories of timeless information useful to today's managers and restorationists: they are intricately coupled human and natural systems that have evolved through intergenerational and community-based stewardship of natural resources. In this context, Berkes (2007) cautions that viewing community-based conservation as a panacea ignores the complexity and depth that must be considered when engaging communities and their knowledge in conservation activities.