Aims and Scope

Aims
The journal of Ethnobiology and Biodiversity Conservation (EBC) aims to serve as a premier, multidisciplinary platform for advancing the understanding of the complex and dynamic relationships between human societies and their natural environments. Our primary objective is to bridge the disciplines of ethnobiology and conservation science by fostering a holistic approach that recognizes the interdependence of biological and cultural diversity.

We are committed to publishing high-quality, evidence-based research that explores how traditional and indigenous knowledge systems contribute to the sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity. The journal seeks to elevate the role of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in contemporary conservation debates, promoting it not merely as a subject of study but as a vital and effective tool for addressing global environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, and climate change. Ultimately, EBC aims to create a unique and inclusive forum where academic researchers, conservation practitioners, and, crucially, indigenous and local communities can collaborate and share insights. We strive to generate actionable knowledge that informs policy and practice, ensuring that conservation strategies are both scientifically sound and culturally relevant, thereby contributing to the preservation of the world's biological and cultural heritage for future generations.

Scope
The journal of Ethnobiology and Biodiversity Conservation (EBC)  publishes original research, reviews, and case studies that explore the intersections of human culture, biodiversity, and ecological systems. The journal's scope is broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing both theoretical and applied research. Our coverage is organized around the following core areas and themes:

Core Disciplinary Areas:

  • Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): Documentation, analysis, and application of indigenous and local knowledge in understanding and managing ecosystems.

  • Ethnobotany: The study of the traditional uses, management, and cultural significance of plants, including their roles in food, medicine, and material culture.

  • Ethnozoology: The study of the traditional uses, management, and cultural significance of animals.

  • Ethnopharmacology: The investigation of traditional medicinal practices, including the pharmacological evaluation of plant and animal-based remedies.

Applied and Interdisciplinary Themes:

  • Biocultural Diversity: Research on the interconnectedness of biological diversity and cultural diversity, and the co-evolution of human societies and their environments.

  • Sustainable Resource Management: Studies on traditional and community-based practices for the sustainable use of natural resources, including hunting, fishing, and gathering.

  • Community-Based Conservation: Research and practice focused on the role of local communities in the governance and management of protected areas and natural resources.

  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Critical examinations of the philosophical, spiritual, and social frameworks that underpin indigenous relationships with nature.

Conservation and Policy Themes:

  • Biodiversity Conservation: Research on conservation strategies, priorities, and outcomes, with a focus on the integration of cultural perspectives.

  • Cultural Ecology: The study of how human societies adapt to and shape their environments through cultural practices and beliefs.

  • Climate Change Impacts: Research on the effects of climate change on both biological systems and human communities, including assessments of vulnerability and adaptive strategies based on TEK.

  • Protection of Native Plants and Animals: Research and case studies on the conservation status, threats, and protection measures for native flora and fauna.

  • Religious, Cultural, and Social Aspects of Traditional Medicine: Investigations into the socio-cultural contexts, religious beliefs, and ethical dimensions surrounding the use of traditional medicines.

  • History of Traditional Use: Historical analyses of human-environment interactions, including the historical ecology of resource use and landscape change.