A framework for promoting disciplinary diversity and inclusion through epistemic justice

“…The marginalization of TEK underscores the broader and persistent failure to advance epistemic justice within conservation biology. Such exclusion, as Nyssa et al (2024) found, buttresses structural inequities and ultimately diminishes the effectiveness of conservation strategies. Research that disregards the demonstrated or potential conservation leadership of Indigenous peoples (Loring and Moola 2021) contributes to undermining Indigenous rights to self-determination, governance, and longterm cultural resilience.…”

“…Reintroductions are framed as ethically and ecologically justified, with ecosystem-level benefits presented as outweighing harm to individuals(Arts et al, 2012).Rewilding as a term is sometimes applied retrospectively, creating compelling stories that obscure the knowledge inequalities behind these supposed successes. A socially just approach to conservation requires rethinking what Yellowstone National Park is for, and what it can become in the future(Stark et al, 2022), and urges organisations to reflect critically on the assumptions and knowledge systems they privilege; a vital step toward disciplinary diversity and inclusion(Nyssa et al, 2024).2.3.2 | Question 2: Whose rights and responsibilities are considered in rewilding? A multi-species anthropological perspective on Oostvaardersplassen Located in the Netherlands near Amsterdam, Oostvaardersplassen is a state-owned nature reserve with varied marshland, lakes, reed beds, and willow forests.…”

“…Specifically, we sought and included the languages, experiences, views, and values that have been excluded or omitted from mainstream conservation debates. We believe that being inclusive will allow for more effective, ethical, and just solutions to conservation; address historical inequalities in the conservation community (Taylor, 2016) and the communities conservationists are privileged to work alongside; address issues of epistemic justice (Nyssa et al, 2024); foster more authentic and equitable relationships among partner communities; and, ultimately, produce stronger, more ethical, and more effective conservation outcomes (Pascual et al, 2023). We argue that this expansion brings with it a more ethical and just approach to conservation.…”