Integrating Indigenous Ecological Knowledge into Environmental Law and Policy: A Pathway to Sustainable Stewardship

Abstract

This paper argues that integrating IEK into environmental governance is critical for addressing ecological crises and advancing Indigenous justice. It examines epistemological, legal, and institutional barriers, including systemic biases and colonial legacies. Through case studies from Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, and the Pacific Islands, the paper identifies actionable pathways—such as legal recognition of IEK, co-management agreements, and decolonizing policy frameworks—that center Indigenous sovereignty while enhancing sustainability. Ultimately, it calls for transformative reforms that honor Indigenous self-determination and position IEK as a cornerstone of global environmental stewardship.