Yes! The communities have so much knowledge that is needed more than ever. My Native American friend says that they consider themselves, “keepers of the land”. You can find “edible forests” in the US that show signs of cultivation. I would bet this is true elsewhere in the world.
Empowering local communities, particularly indigenous peoples who depend on these forests for their livelihoods, is critical. Sustainable practices rooted in traditional knowledge can promote ecological balance while providing economic opportunities.