A new study published on Mar. 31 explores how two North American organizations use both Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science to strengthen food systems as part of climate adaptation efforts. The research, led by Garin Bulger, W. Butler, T. Holmes, and K. Lowrie, focuses on the Kake Tribal Heritage Foundation in Alaska and La Organización Boricuá de Agricultura Ecológica in Puerto Rico.
The topic is significant as communities worldwide face increasing challenges from extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, and socio-economic inequities linked to climate change. The study analyzes how these organizations pursue different but related goals—food security for Kake Tribal Heritage Foundation and food sovereignty for Organización Boricuá—while integrating local traditions with scientific methods.
The authors write that both groups “leverage sustainable practices, culturally rooted knowledge, and community engagement to build resilience by integrating IK [Indigenous Knowledge] and WS [Western Science] through these differing approaches.” They note ongoing tensions between the relational stewardship emphasized in Indigenous Knowledge systems and the empirical focus of Western Science but find that combining these frameworks can make food systems more adaptable.
According to the official website, the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy operates as part of Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey. The school has earned national rankings for its programs—including third place for its graduate urban planning program—and is recognized for fostering just, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable communities at various levels. According to its official website, Stuart Shapiro became dean of the school in 2023.
The Bloustein School also advances social impact through research centers focused on community development, transportation policy, health initiatives, workforce development programs, and energy policy according to its official website. Distinguished alumni are honored through a Hall of Fame established in 2013 along with annual achievement awards dating back to 1994 according to its official website.
This study highlights ongoing efforts within academic institutions like Bloustein School to address pressing global issues such as climate adaptation by supporting interdisciplinary research that bridges traditional knowledge systems with modern science.