The importance of including indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) and their traditional knowledge (TK) into environmental forums such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is being increasingly recognized. Despite numerousefforts to open up forums and assessment processes to diverse types of knowledge, extensive challenges remain for the full and effective participation of IPLCs at all levels of environmental governance. This paper explores three cases of assessment processes at different levels, where TK has been mobilized for monitoring progress towards Aichi Target 18 of the CBD. Through in-depth interviews with representatives for IPLCs, policy-makers and scientists, the mechanisms for mobilizing TK across scales in ways that are legitimate and credible and fulfill the needs for multiple actors are explored. Findings suggest that community-based monitoring and information systems (CBMIS) have greater potential than top-down approaches for capturing the complexity of social-ecological systems and for monitoring progress towards Aichi Target 18. In addition, CBMIS is embedded in the institutions and ecosystem management of IPLCs, providing a direct link between knowledge and action, hence advancing implementation of the CBD on the ground. However, findings across the three cases also demonstrate that hierarchies between knowledge systems and institutional norms of science constitute substantial barriers for the inclusion of insights and knowledge from local monitoring into national and international processes. Overcoming such barriers requires an increase in focus on the process of knowledge sharing rather than solely on the outcomes. A Multiple Evidence Based Approach, where TK and science are viewed as equally valid knowledge, is suggested as a way forward to mobilize TK in forums such as the CBD. Parallel validation methods and intercultural dialogue between TK-holders, scientists and policy-makers is key for creating processes that are legitimate, credible, and salient among a diversity of actors.

Orientador: Marina Corrêa Côrtes / Resumo: A fragmentação dos ambientes naturais pode gerar consequências negativas para a diversidade genética, a evolução e a conservação da biodiversidade. Esses efeitos podem se tornar ameaças à relevância dos ecossistemas para conservação da biodiversidade ao longo prazo e podem impulsionar a ocorrência de fenômenos evolutivos como a adaptação local em populações isoladas. Consequências negativas resultantes da fragmentação podem ser amplificadas por outras pressões negativas comuns em ambientes isolados, incluindo a poluição por metais pesados. A primeira parte desta tese avalia importantes mecanismos evolutivos que promovem a adaptação de plantas a solos contaminados por metais pesados. Informações sobre ecologia populacional, genômica e identificação de genes importantes para adaptação à alta concentração de elementos tóxicos, incluindo Fe, Pb, Cu, Al e Zn, foram usadas para testar mecanismos evolutivos. O estudo revela estratégias ecológicas e genes importantes para o crescimento de Cattleya liliputana em solos contaminados. Melhores ferramentas para a gestão da paisagem e maior integração de áreas protegidas e paisagens produtivas são importantes para reverter a tendência global de fragmentação e uso insustentável dos recursos naturais. A segunda parte da tese fornece ferramentas e análises para promover a conectividade, a integração e o manejo efetivo da paisagem. No segundo capítulo, uma ferramenta de análise espacial de fácil utilização para apoiar projetos com objetivo de ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The fragmentation of natural environments has pervasive consequences to genetic diversity, evolution and the conservation of biodiversity. These effects are important threats to the long-term relevance of ecosystems, and may drive evolutionary responses such as the local adaptation of isolated populations. Negative consequences resulting from fragmentation can be amplified by other common negative pressures in isolated environments, including pollution by heavy metals. Species that survive after contamination play an important role for restoration but face strong selective pressure for adaptation to the contaminants within an isolated environment. The first part of the thesis shed light on important evolutionary mechanisms that drive plant adaptation to soils contaminated by heavy metals. Information regarding population ecology, genomics, and identification of important genes for adaptation to the high concentration of toxic elements, including Fe, Pb, Cu, Al and Zn were used to test major evolutionary mechanisms. The study revealed ecological strategies and genes important for Cattleya liliputana adaptation to contaminated soils. Better tools for landscape management and enhanced integration of protected areas and production landscapes are important strategies to counter the global trend on fragmentation and unsustainable use of natural resources. The second part of the thesis provides tools and analysis to promote connectivity, integration and effective landscape managemen... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor