Ethnoecology, human ecology, and environmental anthropology are all fields that delve into the intricate relationships between humans and their environments, yet each brings a unique perspective to the table. Ethnoecology, in particular, offers a complementary yet distinct lens through which to understand these relationships.

At its core, ethnoecology focuses on different cultures' knowledge systems and practices regarding their environments. It explores how various societies perceive, interact with, and manage their surroundings, often emphasizing indigenous or traditional ecological knowledge. From an ethnoecological perspective, recognising an absent or biased relationship between communities and their local environment is valuable. It provides a starting point for considering how communities may perceive and adopt behaviours related to biodiversity loss and climate warming.

Ethnoecologists study how cultures consider plants, animals, and landscapes and the environmental wisdom in local practices such as agriculture, hunting, and resource management. This field values the voices and experiences of local communities and recognises them as stewards of their ecosystems.

On the other hand, human ecology examines the relationship between humans and their environments from a broader, interdisciplinary perspective. It considers the social, cultural, economic, and political factors influencing human-environment interactions. Human ecologists study issues such as population dynamics, land use patterns, and resource distribution, aiming to understand how the environment shapes, and is shaped by, these factors.

While sharing some similarities with ethnoecology, environmental anthropology strongly emphasises the cultural dimensions of environmental issues. Anthropologists in this field investigate how cultural beliefs, values, and practices influence human interactions with nature. They explore habits, rituals, beliefs about ontologies related to the natural world, and how cultural worldviews shape environmental attitudes and behaviours.

What sets ethnoecology apart is its focus on the detailed ecological knowledge embedded within cultures. It is deeply concerned with understanding how different societies perceive and utilise their environments, often focusing on sustainability and resilience. Ethnoecologists work closely with local communities, aiming to document and preserve their local and traditional ecological knowledge while also recognising its potential contributions to contemporary environmental challenges.

In summary, while all three fields—ethnoecology, human ecology, and environmental anthropology—share an interest in human-environment relationships, ethnoecology stands out for its emphasis on traditional ecological knowledge and the intricate ways in which cultures perceive and interact with their immediate environments. It complements the broader perspectives of human ecology and the cultural focus of environmental anthropology, offering a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex tapestry of human-environment connections across the globe.