The Application of Ethnic Group Ecological Protection Customary Laws and Their Derivative Models in Global Biodiversity Conservation—Taking the Cases of the Miao, Tao, and Maasai Ethnic Groups as Examples

Biodiversity, as the foundation of life on Earth, sustains the balance of ecosystems and supports human sustainable development. However, the current accelerated decline in biodiversity poses ecological threats that require urgent attention. This research based on the perspective of ethnic ecological wisdom, explores the customary practices of biological conservation among the Miao ethnic group in Southwest China, the Tao ethnic group on Orchid Island (Lanyu), Taiwan, and the Maasai ethnic group on the East African Plateau. By conducting in-depth case studies, combined with literature review and data validation, it investigates their practical value and implementation pathways in biodiversity conservation. By analyzing the ecological conservation wisdom models of the Miao, Tao and Maasai ethnic groups, it is found that the core species populations in each region have shown a positive growth trend since the gradual integration of traditional ethnic customary laws with modern ecological protection systems and practices. Drawing on the extensive experience accumulated in integrating customary law into ecological governance across the three cases, this study proposes a three-dimensional optimization pathway: at the policy level, construct a mechanism integrating customary law and diversified ecological compensation; at the community level, implement a model featuring benefit sharing, patrol mediation and digital management; and at the cultural level, strengthen the development and dissemination of ethnic ecological conservation wisdom through multidisciplinary talent training and IP-based communication of exemplary customary law outcomes. We aspire to slow the rate of global biodiversity loss and achieve a bright future of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.