A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management

Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) has long been integral to forest resource management, shaping sustainable practices across generations. Amidst growing environmental degradation and climate change, understanding IK{u2019}s role is essential for guiding sustainable forest management. IK has been shown to contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and livelihood support. However, challenges remain in effectively integrating it with modern conservation approaches while preserving its cultural integrity. In the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), despite the indigenous communities being widely recognized for their role in sustaining Village Common Forests (VCFs), there is a notable lack of research examining IK{u2019}s influence on resource utilization and livelihood. This study examines the effects of IK on forest resource management documenting IK practices, assessing their influence on Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) utilization and tree diversity, and exploring challenges in VCF management. Data were collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a household survey of 151 households across four ethnic groups selected using convenience sampling. Using a mixed method approach, including narrative analysis, probit regression, and ordinary least squares methods, the findings reveal that IK, rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge, guides forest governance through customary rules, spiritual beliefs, and collective decision-making. Some key practices include sustainable harvesting, avoiding stone removal from water bodies, traditional medicine, natural regeneration. Probit regression analysis shows that education, occupation, ethnicity, and religion significantly shape IK utilization, with primary education promoting conservation behaviors, while age and certain occupations and ethnicities are linked to a decline in IK. Most IK practices increase livelihood dependency on NTFPs, except rituals, which reduce consumption. While many IK practices do not affect tree diversity, traditional medicine use positively influences species richness and evenness, whereas weeding and not hunting reduce diversity. Illegal logging, accidental fires, economic pressure challenge VCF conservation.Findings advocate for integrating IK with science-based approaches through context-specific interventions of adaptive co-management systems such selective weeding, assisted natural regeneration, and regulated hunting and sustainable livelihood programs such as agroforestry, sustainable commercialization of NTFPs to refine traditional practices while maintaining ecological balance.