Abstract:

Biocultural Heritage Territories (BCHTs) are mosaics of land uses, deeply linked to Indigenous knowledge systems embedded in cultural traditions, where Indigenous knowledge and practices effectively combine food production with sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection. The study found that protecting the local Kaya Forest was deeply entrenched in Mijikenda culture and this attitude extends beyond the Kaya as well. The study also makes recommendations that infrastructure development projects recognise Rabai as a protected biocultural landscape and respects Indigenous rights. It also argues that supporting community led decolonising action research is vital for successful establishment of a BCHT.