Developing Sustainable Water Supply Strategies among Indigenous Peoples in the Davao Region: A Systematic Review

Indigenous Peoples have a profound cultural, spiritual, and ecological connection to their ancestral lands and water resources. However, global challenges such as climate change, deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization increasingly threaten water availability and quality. Traditional knowledge systems and governance practices offer sustainable approaches to address these challenges, complementing modern water management strategies. This study reviews the literature on Indigenous water resource management, focusing on traditional ecological knowledge, cultural beliefs, customary laws, and their integration into modern governance frameworks. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA framework, analyzing studies published between 2015 and 2024.

The findings highlight that Indigenous communities possess rich traditional knowledge systems emphasizing water conservation and collective responsibility, often rooted in spiritual and cultural beliefs. Customary laws provide dynamic, community-centered approaches for regulating water use while balancing ecological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Successful integration of Indigenous knowledge into modern governance frameworks, as seen in New Zealand’s Māori principles of guardianship, demonstrates the potential for sustainable and equitable water management. Addressing global water challenges requires inclusive frameworks that blend traditional practices with institutional reforms to combat water insecurity, which is increasingly exacerbated by climate change. Indigenous Peoples’ practices offer invaluable insights for managing water resources sustainably, enhancing resilience, and fostering environmental stewardship when integrated into modern governance systems.