KnE Social Sciences

Published date: Oct 29 2025

Journal Title: KnE Social Sciences

Issue title: The 8th Legal International Conference and Studies (LICS 2025): Integrating Climate Change and Biodiversity into National & International Legislation—Harmonizing Knowledge

Pages: 364 - 377

DOI: 10.18502/kss.v10i26.20014

Heri Budionoheribudi581@gmail.comUniversitas Islam Sultan Agung (UNISSULA), Semarang

Legal empowerment of indigenous and local communities in environmental governance is a strategic issue increasingly receiving attention in global academic and policy literature. This study aims to examine research development in this area through a bibliometric analysis of publications from 2010 to 2025. The study identifies publication trends, collaborations between authors, key knowledge domains, and emerging policy implications using data from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The analysis shows a significant increase in publications since 2015, with the focus of research shifting from recognizing legal rights to the participatory empowerment of indigenous and local communities in natural resource management. Key knowledge domain clusters include land rights, participation in decision-making, and the integration of customary law with national legal systems. The proposed policy implications emphasize the importance of strengthening regulations, local community legal capacity, and inclusive participation mechanisms. This study makes an important contribution to filling the gap in systematic reviews and providing strategic direction for developing evidence-based policies in the context of equitable environmental governance.

Keywords: bibliometric, empowerment, indigenous, policy implications

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