Local knowledge of ethnic minorities in the adaptation to climate changes in Vietnam

Abstract

Local knowledge is the knowledge gained from people's interactions with their immediate environment and it generates modes of responses that are suited to that environment. The local knowledge of these ethnic groups was born out of producing activities, constantly tested and filtered during the living process in order to be more adaptive to the environment. Local knowledge is a valued cultural heritage that also shapes ethnic identities. This article analyzes the role of local knowledge and the combination of it with scientific knowledge to adapt to climate changes at community level of ethnic minorities. Thereby, some recommendations of capacity enhancement for ethnic communities to combat to climate changes are made.