A Review of Exploring the Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Governance: A Case Study of Lake Mburo and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda

This article highlights the essential role of indigenous knowledge in natural resource management, particularly in countries such as Uganda with high biodiversity, but faces ecological threats like deforestation, overgrazing, poaching, and climate change. In Uganda, local communities' contributions to conservation are often overlooked, despite their valuable knowledge of ecosystems.  The article systematically examines the integration of indigenous knowledge into environmental governance within Lake Mburo and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks over the past 20 years, analysing peer-reviewed articles, reports, and case studies. The findings confirm that indigenous knowledge has significantly contributed to conservation by providing deep insights into local ecosystems and resource management practices. Community involvement in setting up local conservation agreements promotes ownership and stewardship, which enhances the effectiveness of conservation efforts. The integration of indigenous knowledge into governance frameworks improves decision-making and policy implementation. However, challenges remain in fully recognising indigenous knowledge at policy and operational levels, primarily due to socio-economic barriers that hinder its effective application. To address these challenges, the article recommends the creation of inclusive policies that empower local communities and integrate their knowledge into national conservation strategies. Recognising and incorporating indigenous knowledge into environmental governance can lead to more advanced biodiversity conservation and sustainability, benefiting both local communities and ecosystems.