Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge for Education for Sustainable Development

Mark Manns, Julia Heiss, Jun Morohashi and Leila Loupis
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Mark Manns: Jun Morohashi, Section of Education for Sustainable Development, UNESCO, 7, Place de Fontenoy, 75007 Paris, France. E-mail: esd@unesco.org
Julia Heiss: Julia Heiss, Section of Education for Sustainable Development, UNESCO, Paris, France.
Jun Morohashi: Mark Manns, Section of Education for Sustainable Development, UNESCO, Paris, France.
Leila Loupis: Leila Loupis, Section of Education for Sustainable Development, UNESCO, Paris, France.

Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, 2025, vol. 19, issue 2, 157-167

Abstract: In an era of environmental and social crises, integrating Indigenous knowledge into Education for Sustainable Development is critical for fostering a holistic, inclusive and effective approach to sustainability. This article explores the essential role of Indigenous knowledge in contextualizing education, highlighting its contributions to sustainable resource management, environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. Historically marginalized, Indigenous wisdom offers practical solutions for contemporary global challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. By valuing and incorporating Indigenous perspectives into educational frameworks, education stakeholders can create more robust and culturally relevant learning experiences that empower communities and promote social equity. Examples from various countries, including Zimbabwe, the Philippines, Peru and Canada, illustrate the transformative impact of blending Indigenous and scientific knowledge. The article argues for a paradigm shift in education, emphasizing the importance of respecting and utilizing Indigenous knowledge to achieve a more sustainable and just world for future generations.

Keywords: Sustainability; Indigenous knowledge; Education for Sustainable Development; environmental stewardship; contextualized education; community empowerment; cultural diversity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:jousus:v:19:y:2025:i:2:p:157-167

DOI: 10.1177/09734082251360875

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