Our name Wise Ancestors is both an acknowledgement of the important role that ancestors played in stewarding land for millennia, and a recognition of the responsibility we have as ancestors for the future.
Wise Ancestors is built on the belief that, in addition to the advanced biotechnologies associated with Western science, saving Earth’s species and ecosystems will require engaging with nature in ways that incorporate Indigenous science, knowledge and practices.
"Findings reveal positive ecological and social outcomes are strongly associated with higher levels of influence of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and their institutions, implying equity in conservation practice should be advanced not only for moral reasons, but because it can enhance conservation effectiveness."1 Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities hold knowledge and practices formed from relationship to place, that is distinct from knowledge built on Euro-centric scientific methodologies. That knowledge supports ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation.
Wise Ancestors’ approach braids genomic science, traditional knowledge systems and our equitable, decentralized approach. In doing this, we provide a structure for Western, IP and LC scientists, conservationists and community members to work together on biodiversity conservation in an innovative, fair, equitable and future-focused manner.