What is ethnobiology?

Abstract

Ethnobiology has been defi ned classically as the study of the interactions of people and the environment. It is in fact a complex fi eld of knowledge and action that interfaces with many scientifi c disciplines. These interfaces result in different approaches and theoretical challenges. Ethnobiology occupies a privileged position because of its potential to integrate local and global knowledge, to connect cultures and academic approaches, and to relate biological and social aspects of the human experience to the environment.