---- Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and GIS for Participatory Natural Resource Management: State of the Practice Experience has shown that development efforts that ignore indigenous knowledge (IK), local systems of knowledge, and the local environment generally fail to achieve their desired objectives. IK systems are becoming extinct because of rapidly changing natural and social environments. A Geographic Information System provides a framework to document and store indigenous knowledge meaningfully. Participation by the local community in development initiatives is critical for achieving sound natural resource management to utilize the full potential of IK systems. (PDF) http://www.is.cityu.edu.hk/research/ejisdc/vol17/v17r3.pdf ---------------------------------------------------------- UNDP's ICT for Development (ICTD) Observatory keeps an eye on related critical issues for developing countries. If you have information to contribute to the Observatory please submit to nitobserver@sdnp.undp.org or use our web form at http://www.sdnp.undp.org/observatory/userform.html ----------------------------------------------------------