The Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Conservation Practices within the Republic of Congo: An African Perspective

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) among indigenous communities in the Republic of Congo has been recognised for its valuable insights into managing natural resources sustainably. A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as Web of Science and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published between and . The search terms included 'Traditional Ecological Knowledge', 'Conservation Practices', 'Republic of Congo'. The analysis revealed that TEK contributes significantly to the conservation of forest biodiversity, with traditional management practices maintaining a higher proportion (87%) of forest cover compared to areas managed without traditional knowledge ($p < 0.05$). This review underscores the importance of integrating TEK into modern conservation strategies for effective and sustainable natural resource management in the Republic of Congo. Policy makers should prioritise the recognition and integration of TEK within national conservation policies to enhance biodiversity protection and promote sustainable development.