Abstract

Given the historically unprecedented socioecological crisis created by human domination of the natural world, this article offers insights derived from “critical development theories,” supported by examples from traditional communities that call on western researchers to think about development knowledge differently. It will be argued that a single school of thought—western development thought—will not be able to solve modern society’s problems. Social and ecological change is multidimensional, and to reverse some of its consequences, it is vital to build innovative plural and heterogeneous epistemologies explicitly looking for theoretical dialogues with wisdom coming from diverse cultures that have coexisted and resisted for centuries in different regions of the planet. This study focuses on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) as an emergent conceptual alternative to recognize the strengths found in other kinds of knowledge, aside from the universally accepted scientific methods and principles. By analyzing two case studies from Mexico, we uncover strengths and advantages of TEK for more sustainable societies. Particular attention is paid to ways that human society could focus on thinking differently about how people build relationships to maintain the necessary conditions for the well-being of present and future generations.