Combining Indigenous Knowledge and Science for a Better Future
Summary
Integrating mātauranga Māori and science drives sustainable environmental solutions, safeguarding our ecosystems and water health for future generations.
Combining Indigenous Knowledge and Science for a Better Future
As the world faces growing environmental challenges, innovative and inclusive approaches are more critical than ever. Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngā Wai Māori (NKONWM) exemplifies how blending mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) with western science creates transformative solutions for protecting our wai Māori (waterways) and ecosystems.
A New Approach to Environmental Sustainability
The foundation of NKONWM’s work is Te Mana o te Wai, a concept that prioritises the health and wellbeing of water as a taonga. This approach acknowledges that the survival of ecosystems, communities, and future generations depends on the care and protection of water.
Incorporating mātauranga Māori into environmental management has led to bold, innovative steps in freshwater policies and practices. For example, the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 emphasises cultural and ecological perspectives, shifting how councils and organisations approach planning and regulation.
By valuing the interconnectedness of people and nature, this framework goes beyond compliance - it encourages a collective commitment to sustainability.
Bridging Knowledge Systems
NKONWM’s success lies in its ability to bring together indigenous and scientific knowledge systems. This collaboration has been especially impactful in projects like fish surveys in the upper Wairua catchment, where mātauranga Māori and scientific methods are used side by side to monitor species and habitat health.
This dual approach not only builds scientific understanding but also ensures that cultural practices and values are respected and preserved. For tangata whenua, it’s a chance to see their mātauranga guiding solutions to modern challenges. For scientists, it offers a richer perspective that deepens their insights and strategies.
Overcoming Barriers Together
Environmental challenges require unity, but divisive rhetoric can sometimes distract from the larger mission. NKONWM advocates for a focus on shared outcomes, urging tangata whenua, Tangata Tiriti, and all others to collaborate toward improving ecosystems for the good of all.
The integration of mātauranga Māori into environmental policies, such as the National Policy Statement for Biodiversity, demonstrates how combining diverse perspectives leads to stronger outcomes. It also helps foster understanding and respect among different groups, breaking down barriers to collective action.
Lessons for the Future
The work of NKONWM serves as a model for others seeking to protect the environment while respecting cultural heritage. By embracing both traditional knowledge and scientific innovation, they’ve shown that these approaches are not in conflict but complementary.
This balance is critical as we face increasingly complex environmental challenges. The lessons learned from NKONWM’s mahi remind us that the best solutions are those that honour the past while looking forward to the future.
A Call to Action
As NKONWM continues its work, it invites funders, councils, and the public to support initiatives that integrate diverse knowledge systems. Protecting our planet is a shared responsibility, and every contribution - whether through funding, partnerships, or advocacy - makes a difference.
For Aotearoa and the world, NKONWM’s approach represents a hopeful path forward. By working together, we can restore balance to our ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
