Ekoloke

Ekoloke is a term used in environmental education and anthropology to describe a framework for capturing and sharing ecological knowledge through participatory storytelling, place-based observation, and digital archiving. It emphasizes local or community-level understanding of ecosystems, including species, habitats, seasonal cycles, and human–environment relationships.

In practice, ekoloke involves collaborative activities such as community mapping, oral histories, photo-voice projects, and co-authored learning materials. It aims to create living records that can be used for education, conservation, and cultural continuity, while acknowledging the rights of knowledge holders over their information.

The approach is often applied in schools, conservation projects, and community programs, particularly in regions with strong local or Indigenous knowledge systems. It seeks to bridge scientific and traditional knowledge by presenting evidence and narratives in accessible formats, such as maps, field notebooks, exhibitions, and online archives.

Critiques point to risks of misappropriation, misrepresentation, or unequal control over who can access or use the knowledge. Proponents respond that explicit consent, governance agreements, benefit sharing, and co-creation processes help address these concerns, reinforcing ethical data stewardship.

See also: traditional ecological knowledge, place-based education, participatory mapping, community archives, environmental literacy.