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Dryad

Local ecological knowledge systems worldwide follow distinct pathways of change under shared global pressures

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May 01, 2026 version files 761.14 KB

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Abstract

The global loss of local ecological knowledge (LEK) has prompted concerns about the erosion of its values and negative impacts on indigenous communities’ well-being. Yet, analyzing LEK change remains challenging, as it is shaped by numerous socio-ecological drivers and their complex interactions. Consequently, the pathways of LEK transformation remain poorly understood. Here, we synthesize 473 case studies worldwide to examine LEK dynamics across six dimensions: knowledge, practices, management systems, values, cultural identity, and worldview. Using sequential rule mining, we identify recurring ordered combinations of drivers, capturing how external pressures and community responses shape change dynamics. The sequential rules reveal that changes follow dimension-specific pathways while remaining influenced by common macro-level events. Our study provides a structured framework to interpret LEK change processes and outcomes and highlights the critical role of local communities in shaping knowledge transformations, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches and comprehensive coverage in LEK research and policy.