Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is the accumulated knowledge and experience of indigenous and local communities about their environment, its resources, and their relationship to them. This type of knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation and is the result of years of observation and interaction with the natural world. Synonyms for TEK include indigenous knowledge, local knowledge, and traditional knowledge. These terms all refer to the same concepts and are used interchangeably in the scientific literature. The importance of TEK is increasingly recognized by scientists and policy-makers as a valuable tool for conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.