They include major centres of biodiversity, often coinciding with centres of cultural diversity where traditional ecological knowledge is maintained.

UNESCO: Ecological Sciences and Research

Dr Fogarty says such rich diversity is a repository of thousands of years ecological, spiritual and social knowledge built up by generations of Australia's first peoples.

BBC: Lost indigenous language revived in Australia

Local people usually have a better knowledge of local ecological conditions than experts in faraway capitals, as well as a direct interest in improving the quality of life in their village.

ECONOMIST: Local difficulties

Enhancing participatory planning and knowledge management through its work with local and indigenous communities, in ecological sciences and on the co-production of knowledge.

UNESCO: United Nations Biodiversity Conference mobilises resources for biodiversity protection | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Advance the study of ecological sustainability and promote the open exchange and wide application of the knowledge acquired.

CNN: Earth Charter sets course for sustainable living

Local and indigenous knowledge systems and environmental management practices provide valuable insight and tools for tackling ecological challenges.

UNESCO: Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices

Department of Environmental Protection to record botanists' knowledge of every wild plant in the state, and their judgments as to their ecological quality.

WSJ: Tama Matsuoka Wong, a Gourmet Harvester in the Wilds of New Jersey | Creating