Local ecological knowledge systems worldwide follow distinct pathways of change under shared global pressures

The global loss of local ecological knowledge (LEK) has prompted concerns
about the erosion of its values and negative impacts on indigenous
communities’ well-being. Yet, analyzing LEK change remains challenging, as
it is shaped by numerous socio-ecological drivers and their complex
interactions. Consequently, the pathways of LEK transformation remain
poorly understood. Here, we synthesize 473 case studies worldwide to
examine LEK dynamics across six dimensions: knowledge, practices,
management systems, values, cultural identity, and worldview. Using
sequential rule mining, we identify recurring ordered combinations of
drivers, capturing how external pressures and community responses shape
change dynamics. The sequential rules reveal that changes follow
dimension-specific pathways while remaining influenced by common
macro-level events. Our study provides a structured framework to interpret
LEK change processes and outcomes and highlights the critical role of
local communities in shaping knowledge transformations, emphasizing the
need for inclusive approaches and comprehensive coverage in LEK research
and policy.