Guide for authors

BRIDGING TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND CLIMATE POLICY: INSIGHTS FROM FOREST COMMUNITIES IN ARTVIN, TURKIYE

Inanc Ozkan Sevim,^1*, Aksu Guven²

^1*Artvin Coruh University, Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Engineering, Artvin, Turkey;

²Artvin Coruh University, Postgraduate Education Institute, Artvin, Turkey;

^*Corresponding Author Inanc Ozkan S.,  e-mail: inanc_sevim@hotmail.com;

ABSTRACT

Climate change poses an escalating global threat, with particularly severe effects on ecologically fragile and socioeconomically vulnerable regions. Forest ecosystems—especially in mountainous areas like Artvin, located in northeastern Türkiye—are both sensitive to climate disturbances and vital for mitigation and adaptation efforts. This study explores the role of local communities in climate action by examining their awareness, motivations, and barriers to participation in environmental governance. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines structured surveys and in-depth interviews with 250 residents of forest-dependent villages, the research highlights the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in shaping place-based responses to climate challenges. Results show that while community members are often intrinsically motivated—driven by a strong connection to nature and a sense of responsibility toward future generations—practical engagement is hindered by information gaps, economic hardship, and bureaucratic constraints. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating local knowledge into institutional frameworks by promoting inclusive and participatory climate policies that empower rural forest communities.

Keywords: Traditional ecological knowledge, local communities, climate adaptation, community-based governance, forest ecosystems,

INTRODUCTION

Global climate change stands as one of the most pressing environmental threats of the 21st century, affecting ecological systems, biodiversity, and human societies in intricate and interrelated ways. The escalation in greenhouse gas concentrations—primarily from fossil fuel use, deforestation, and unsustainable land practices—has triggered temperature rise, shifts in precipitation regimes, and an upsurge in extreme climatic events (IPCC, 2023).

Forests occupy a critical position in the climate system as both vulnerable ecosystems and agents of regulation. Through their capacity to store carbon, regulate hydrological processes, and sustain biodiversity, they are integral to both mitigation and adaptation frameworks (Bonan, 2008). However, their sustainable management cannot rely solely on scientific and technical approaches; the involvement of local communities and the integration of their knowledge systems are equally crucial (Reid et al., 2009).

In rural settings, many forest-reliant communities maintain deep ecological understandings developed through generations of lived experience. This body of insight—commonly referred to as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)—enables them to implement adaptive strategies grounded in observation and practice (Berkes, 2009). Studies emphasize that when these communities are empowered as co-decision-makers, rather than passive beneficiaries, they can contribute meaningfully to environmental monitoring, natural resource governance, and climate adaptation efforts (Ensor et al., 2015). Moreover, adaptation initiatives anchored in local cultural and institutional contexts tend to be more sustainable and socially acceptable (Ayers & Forsyth, 2009; Agrawal, 2008). Strong community ties—expressed as social capital—also foster collaborative responses to environmental stress (Pretty & Smith, 2004).

Artvin Province in northeastern Türkiye offers a valuable case for exploring these dynamics. Characterized by rich forest ecosystems and rugged terrain, the region is home to diverse rural populations whose lives are intimately connected to nature. Yet, limited empirical research has examined how these communities interpret climate change or engage in environmental decision-making processes (Yılmaz & Gülersoy, 2021).

This study aims to address this knowledge gap by examining local perceptions of climate change, motivations for participation in forest governance, and the obstacles these communities face. The research seeks to generate actionable insights that can support the development of inclusive, community-based climate strategies.

MATERYAL METHOD

To investigate how rural forest-dependent communities in Artvin engage with climate change, this study employed a case study framework supported by a mixed-methods strategy. The use of both numerical and narrative data provided a broader view of the social and ecological interactions under examination. This approach enabled the researchers to explore context-specific dynamics between local behavior, perception, and environmental governance mechanisms.

The research was carried out in Artvin Province, situated in the northeastern region of Türkiye. Known for its rugged mountainous landscape and dense forests—which cover roughly 57% of its area—Artvin is home to diverse ecosystems and high biodiversity. Many residents in rural parts of the province rely on natural resources, particularly forestry, animal husbandry, and subsistence agriculture. These characteristics make the area well-suited for studying how communities adapt to and interpret climate-related changes.

Data collection took place between June and September 2024 and involved two primary techniques:

• Household surveys: A total of 250 individuals aged 18 and above were surveyed across selected villages in the Şavşat, Ardanuç, Borçka, and Yusufeli districts. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to ensure a balanced representation of age, gender, and geographic location.

• In-depth interviews: To supplement the survey results, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants. These discussions focused on individual understandings of climate change, their sources of information, and practices adopted in response to environmental challenges.

Quantitative results were examined using basic descriptive tools, including frequencies, averages, and standard deviations. Additionally, cross-tabulations were applied to explore connections between socio-demographic variables and levels of climate awareness or engagement.

For the qualitative part, thematic coding was used to interpret open-ended responses and interview transcripts. Emphasis was placed on identifying commonly held views, local terminologies, and embedded meanings related to environmental change and collective action.

RESULTS

This section presents the key findings derived from quantitative and qualitative data collected from 250 respondents across rural forest communities in Artvin Province. The results are organized into four thematic areas: demographic profile (Table 1), climate change awareness, participation levels, and motivational/structural factors.

Table 1. Demographic Characteristics of Respondents.

The sample consists primarily of middle-aged, working individuals, most of whom rely on natural resources for their livelihoods. Education levels are relatively balanced, with over a third holding university degrees.

The following Table 2 summarizes respondents’ levels of awareness regarding climate change and the primary sources from which they obtain information. Using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), participants expressed their familiarity with climate change concepts, understanding of its causes and local impacts, as well as the reliability of different information channels such as media and local authorities.

Table 2. Climate Awareness Levels and Information Sources (Likert scale 1–5).

Table 3 presents the levels of participation and the willingness of respondents to engage in various environmental activities. It reflects the community’s attitudes towards involvement in climate-related actions, highlighting both current participation rates and future intentions to contribute to environmental sustainability efforts.

Table 3. Participation and Willingness to Engage in Environmental Activities.

Although active involvement is moderate, interest in future participation is notably strong, especially in practical and visible actions such as tree planting.

Table 4 illustrates the key motivational factors influencing individuals’ participation in environmental activities. Using a Likert scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), the table reflects the degree to which various incentives and personal motivations encourage community engagement in climate action and sustainability initiatives.

Table 4. Motivational Factors of Participation (Likert scale 1–5).

Table 5 outlines the main barriers that hinder individuals from participating in environmental and climate-related activities. Based on responses rated on a Likert scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), the table highlights the perceived obstacles that reduce community involvement and engagement.

Table 5. Barriers Factors of Participation (Likert scale 1–5).

Strong emotional and ethical motivations are evident, while participation is constrained by structural and informational limitations. Addressing these barriers could significantly enhance engagement.

Dıscussıon

This study contributes to the expanding scholarship on local climate adaptation by shedding light on how forest-dependent communities in Artvin, Türkiye, perceive and respond to environmental change. While general awareness of climate change among participants was relatively high, this awareness often lacked depth in terms of its localized ecological effects and actionable responses. This pattern reflects the widely acknowledged 'awareness–action gap,' where knowledge about environmental issues does not automatically lead to engagement (Ensor et al., 2015).

One of the most salient findings is the disconnect between institutional climate frameworks and local knowledge systems. Many participants reported relying on mass media for climate information, while trust in local authorities remained limited. This echoes Berkes’ (2009) work, which highlights the challenges posed by top-down governance in fostering effective, locally rooted resilience strategies.

Despite these constraints, participants expressed a willingness to engage in practical and visible environmental actions—such as reforestation and waste reduction—when these were perceived as meaningful and achievable. However, barriers such as time constraints, limited financial resources, lack of institutional support, and bureaucratic complexity often hinder actual participation. This is consistent with findings by Eakin and Luers (2006), who note that adaptive capacity is shaped by layered social vulnerabilities within communities. Similar evidence from other climate-vulnerable regions, such as Eastern Africa, illustrates how economic hardship and institutional exclusion can suppress adaptive behaviors (Adhikari et al., 2015).

A notable contribution of this study lies in its documentation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Many participants described environmental change based on personal observation and intergenerational experience. Although often overlooked in formal planning processes, TEK remains a valuable asset in climate adaptation—especially in data-scarce and remote forest regions (Berkes & Folke, 2000). Yet, its integration into formal decision-making remains limited.

Furthermore, participants’ motivations for action were primarily rooted in intrinsic values—such as environmental stewardship and concern for future generations—rather than in economic incentives or legal obligations. This finding emphasizes the ethical and cultural dimensions of local climate responses, echoing the arguments of Adger et al. (2013) on climate justice.

Artvin, with its forest-rich terrain and cohesive rural communities, illustrates both the vulnerability and the potential of local populations in responding to climate risks. To realize this potential, however, policies must go beyond top-down interventions. A multilevel governance model that values local knowledge, enables participatory decision-making, and reduces bureaucratic hurdles is essential. These findings are consistent with the FAO (2018) recommendation to strengthen forest-based governance by empowering community actors.

From this research, three core recommendations emerge for enhancing rural climate resilience:

 1. Integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into formal adaptation frameworks;

 2. Establish inclusive, flexible governance structures that reduce participation barriers and encourage voluntary involvement;

3. Invest in targeted education and capacity-building efforts, especially for economically marginalized or underrepresented groups.

In sum, local forest communities possess valuable yet underutilized capacities for climate adaptation. Bridging the institutional gap between policy systems and local knowledge is not only a question of efficacy, but also of equity and sustainability.

CONCLUSION

• This research investigated how forest-dependent communities in Artvin understand and respond to climate change, with a focus on awareness, participation, and structural barriers. The results indicate that although general awareness is high and community interest in environmental action is evident, actual engagement remains limited due to informational gaps, institutional distrust, and socioeconomic obstacles.
• A central conclusion of the study is the misalignment between centralized policy frameworks and local knowledge systems. Participants demonstrated a strong sense of place and rich traditional ecological knowledge, yet these insights are rarely incorporated into formal adaptation planning. Addressing this gap offers opportunities for developing locally grounded and culturally relevant responses.
• The research also highlighted the role of intrinsic motivation—such as environmental concern and intergenerational responsibility—in driving participation. However, these values alone are insufficient. To translate them into sustained action, accessible information, inclusive governance, and supportive structures must be in place. Strengthening trust and reducing administrative complexity are key.
• Overall, this study affirms the critical importance of integrating local perspectives and traditional knowledge into climate governance. Enhancing communication, promoting environmental education, and establishing participatory mechanisms are essential for building adaptive capacity. As noted in the IPCC (2023) Synthesis Report, locally driven approaches are central to global climate resilience. Acknowledging the value of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (Berkes & Folke, 2000) and learning from national forestry experiences (Türkiye Ormancılık Derneği, 2021) can further this goal.
• Future research should consider longitudinal studies, comparative analyses across regions, and evaluation of participatory adaptation programs to build a broader evidence base.

Conflicts of interests. The authors have no conflict of interests.

REFERENCES

1. Adger, W. N., Barnett, J., Brown, K., Marshall, N., & O’Brien, K. (2013). Cultural dimensions of climate change impacts and adaptation. Nature Climate Change, 3(2), 112–117;
2. Adhikari, U., Nejadhashemi, A. P., & Woznicki, S. A. (2015). Climate change and Eastern Africa: A review of impact on major crops. Food and Energy Security, 4(2), 110–132.;
3. Agrawal, A. (2008). The role of local institutions in adaptation to climate change (Social Development Paper No. 113). World Bank;
4. Ayers, J., & Forsyth, T. (2009). Community-based adaptation to climate change: Strengthening resilience through development. Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development, 51(4), 22–31;
5. Berkes, F. (2009). Indigenous ways of knowing and the study of environmental change. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 39(4), 151–156;
6. Berkes, F., & Folke, C. (2000). Linking social and ecological systems for resilience and sustainability. In F. Berkes & C. Folke (Eds.), Linking social and ecological systems: Management practices and social mechanisms for building resilience (pp. 1–25). Cambridge University Press;
7. Bonan, G. B. (2008). Forests and climate change: Forcings, feedbacks, and the climate benefits of forests. Science, 320(5882), 1444–1449;
8. Eakin, H., & Luers, A. L. (2006). Assessing the vulnerability of social-environmental systems. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 31, 365–394;
9. Ensor, J., Park, S., Attwood, S., Kaminski, A., & Johnson, J. (2015). Reaching the furthest behind first: Prioritizing the poorest in climate resilient development. CARE International. https://careclimatechange.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/CARE_Resilience_Brief_2015.pdf;
10. FAO. (2018). Climate change for forest policy-makers. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations;
11. IPCC. (2023). Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/;
12. Pretty, J., & Smith, D. (2004). Social capital in biodiversity conservation and management. Conservation Biology, 18(3), 631–638;
13. Reid, W. V., Mooney, H. A., Cropper, A., Capistrano, D., Carpenter, S. R., Chopra, K., ... & Zurek, M. B. (2009). Ecosystems and human well-being: A biodiversity synthesis. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. https://www.millenniumassessment.org/documents/document.354.aspx.pdf;
14. Türkiye Ormancılık Derneği. (2021). Türkiye’de orman politikaları ve sürdürülebilirlik raporu. TOD Yayınları;
15. Yılmaz, B., & Gülersoy, Z. T. (2021). Community perspectives on forest governance and sustainability: The case of Artvin, Turkey. Sustainability, 13(2), 678;