Integration of Traditional and Western knowledge in forest landscape restoration

Given the diversity of environmental, historical, social, economic and cultural contexts in which forest landscapes (and their degradation) occur, restoration efforts require the effective engagement and mobilization of the social and human capital that exists within these socio-ecological systems. This involves the utilization of diverse knowledge systems (von der Porten and de Loe, 2014), which in some cases, includes a significant body of Traditional knowledge and expertise that was marginalized during colonial periods (Stewart, 2002). Importantly, these knowledge systems remain largely misunderstood and underappreciated by contemporary, Westerntrained managers, planners, resource specialists, foresters, scientists and other professionals (Trosper et al., 20126).