Elevating the Role of Indigenous Knowledge in NERRS Conservation and Beyond

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Coastal wetlands across the National Estuarine Research Reserve System provide a variety of essential habitats for migratory and threatened/endangered birds throughout the Pacific region. They are used by millions of birds each year to breed, rest, refuel and overwinter. Human communities also value these areas for subsistence, cultural, and recreational activities. Despite the benefits they provide, estuarine habitats are being lost at accelerating rates.

To address this need, a one-year catalyst project connected geographically distinct reserves in the Pacific/Western United States with shared migratory bird species and a common interest in elevating the role of Indigenous Knowledge and management practices in coastal conservation. The project – whose team included five reserves, their local management and cultural partners, and Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture – explored applications and built on existing frameworks for weaving together conventional science and Indigenous Knowledge, research, and cultural values to enhance…