The long-term health of natural resources such as forests, water, and agroeco systems is dependent on traditional knowledge passed down through generations. The importance of traditional knowledge for conserving biodiversity is explored here, especially in light of recent studies on traditional and formal knowledge systems. In order to preserve the usefulness of old knowledge systems, I also look at them for the first time. I have discussed recent breakthroughs in local knowledge research and how they relate to the challenges that modern India faces, as well as how local knowledge might be leveraged to address biodiversity conservation issues in the country.