There is an increased global recognition of indigenous communities’ capacities to manage the fragility of their own ecosystems against human and non-human threats such as climate change. Hence, the protection of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) in the tropics is not only a matter of cultural preservation but also a crucial strategy for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Indigenous peoples and local communities in tropical regions possess a wealth of traditional knowledge about their environments, including sustainable resource management practices, medicinal plant uses, and intricate ecological understandings. Safeguarding this knowledge is essential for maintaining biodiversity, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and promoting community resilience. Additionally, respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities to control and benefit from their traditional knowledge is fundamental for achieving environmental justice and fostering equitable partnerships in conservation and development initiatives. Efforts to protect ILK in the tropics must involve recognising and respecting indigenous rights, promoting intercultural dialogue, and integrating traditional knowledge systems into policy-making processes and sustainable development strategies.