A dynamic biome-specific governance approach that integrates indigenous knowledge and pluriversal thinking

TY - JOUR

T1 - A dynamic biome-specific governance approach that integrates indigenous knowledge and pluriversal thinking

AU - Oarga-Mulec, Andreea

AU - Skene, Keith R

N1 - © The Author(s) 2025

PY - 2025/12/14

Y1 - 2025/12/14

N2 - Conventional sustainability governance relies on universal, compartmentalized models and often ignores the ecological complexity and Indigenous worldviews. This paper introduces the Dynamic Biome Governance and Knowledge Exchange (DyBiomGov) framework developed for managing rapid socio-ecological changes across global biomes. DyBiomGov integrates a DyBiom- Risk Matrix, which diagnoses cascading climatic and socio-economic risks in eight aggregated biomes, with a governance guide translating these diagnostics into time-bound actions co-developed with Indigenous and local communities. The DyBiom- Risk Matrix assigns ecological and human impacts according to three temporal urgency classes: immediate (0–5 years), medium-term (5–20 years), and long-term (>20 years). This approach recognizes that biomes face synchronous ecological and cultural tipping points within five years, while others experience slower ecological changes but acute short-term pressures on livelihoods. The governance guide links these risk profiles to adaptation pathways such as land tenure reforms, Indigenous fire management, and transboundary water agreements, focusing on mutual knowledge exchange between Indigenous knowledge holders and actors operating within formal scientific and policy frameworks rather than prescriptive blueprints. DyBiomGov methodologically proposes to integrate Indigenous governance principles, remote sensing diagnostics, and peer-reviewed climate projections. Although conceptual, it recommends future operationalization via AI-powered data pipelines sourced from official scientific reports, real-time feedback, and regional observatories. This pluralistic, adaptive framework supports communities, policy makers, and researchers to develop governance aligned with biome-specific changes, facilitate cross-biome learning, and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples in environmental decision-making.

AB - Conventional sustainability governance relies on universal, compartmentalized models and often ignores the ecological complexity and Indigenous worldviews. This paper introduces the Dynamic Biome Governance and Knowledge Exchange (DyBiomGov) framework developed for managing rapid socio-ecological changes across global biomes. DyBiomGov integrates a DyBiom- Risk Matrix, which diagnoses cascading climatic and socio-economic risks in eight aggregated biomes, with a governance guide translating these diagnostics into time-bound actions co-developed with Indigenous and local communities. The DyBiom- Risk Matrix assigns ecological and human impacts according to three temporal urgency classes: immediate (0–5 years), medium-term (5–20 years), and long-term (>20 years). This approach recognizes that biomes face synchronous ecological and cultural tipping points within five years, while others experience slower ecological changes but acute short-term pressures on livelihoods. The governance guide links these risk profiles to adaptation pathways such as land tenure reforms, Indigenous fire management, and transboundary water agreements, focusing on mutual knowledge exchange between Indigenous knowledge holders and actors operating within formal scientific and policy frameworks rather than prescriptive blueprints. DyBiomGov methodologically proposes to integrate Indigenous governance principles, remote sensing diagnostics, and peer-reviewed climate projections. Although conceptual, it recommends future operationalization via AI-powered data pipelines sourced from official scientific reports, real-time feedback, and regional observatories. This pluralistic, adaptive framework supports communities, policy makers, and researchers to develop governance aligned with biome-specific changes, facilitate cross-biome learning, and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples in environmental decision-making.

KW - Pluriverse

KW - Governance

KW - indigenous knowledge

KW - risk analysis

KW - Biomes

KW - Adaptation pathways

KW - policy framework

U2 - 10.1057/s41599-025-06402-6

DO - 10.1057/s41599-025-06402-6

M3 - Article

SN - 2662-9992

VL - 13

SP - 1

EP - 12

JO - Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

JF - Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

M1 - 97

ER -