A recent article published in BioScience calls for the integration of Indigenous and local stewardship practices into biodiversity conservation frameworks. Authored by Giulia Mattalia and Irene Teixidor-Toneu, along with 19 co-authors from five continents, the study argues that these practices have been largely overlooked in conservation research and international policy. The authors propose a comprehensive framework that categorizes stewardship practices across three ecological levels: target species, species assemblages, and entire ecosystems. Their review of cultural keystone species literature reveals that while 343 stewardship practices were identified, only half of the studies documented the reciprocal benefits between nature and people. This gap is attributed to a Eurocentric perspective that often renders Indigenous management invisible. The review includes diverse case studies from regions such as Ecuador, Switzerland, Nepal, and Canada, showcasing practices like controlled burning and selective harvesting. The authors emphasize that acknowledging and strengthening these stewardship practices within scientific and policy frameworks could lead to more effective and inclusive conservation efforts. They argue that their proposed classification could serve as a common language across various disciplines, enhancing the understanding of biodiversity stewardship.