Incorporate Indigenous Perspectives for Impactful Research and Effective Management

Many ecologists and environmental scientists wish to contribute solutions to pressing conservation problems, such as biodiversity loss or climate change, yet are unaware that their research might occur in places where Indigenous cultures have a long history of traditional proprietorship, place-based knowledge, governance and resource management. We argue that ecologists and conservation scientists should cooperate — work together towards mutual goals — with Indigenous
knowledge-holders on whose territory they wish to do research. Such collaboration would be consistent with internationally
recognized Indigenous rights, and generate more impactful research outcomes.  We illustrate these points by sharing our
collective experience from three perspectives