Knowledge has always been an essential force in development. In today 's increasinglyrnknowledge-based world, many countries are embracing knowledge and innovation-relatedrnpolicies to spur growth and competitiveness. The basic component of any country 's knowledgernsystem is its indigenous knowledge. Indigenous knowledge (IK) encompasses the skills,rnexperiences and insights of people, applied to maintain or improve their livelihood. It is uniquernto a particular culture and society and the basis for local decision-making in agriculture, health,rnnatural resource management and other activities. This study attempted to identifY differentrnindigenous knowledge and practices of Dawro Zone in natural resource conservation. Fieldrnobservations, focus group discussions and key informants interviews were the main toolsrndevelopedfor data collection. The study was conducted in Mareka Woreda and from where sixrnkebeles were randomly selected. About 120 households were selected with simple randomrnselection procedure and the study was conducted among those households. Soil erosion, waterrnscarcity and loss of plant cover were the environmental problems of the study area. Local peoplernhave been employing various indigenous practices against the problems. Different indigenousrnpractices in soil and water conservation, and also plant and livestock management of people inrnthe area were identified. There were also traditional beliefs and social values that contribute tornnatural resource management besides their main purpose in the area. The study asserted thatrnfarmers have valuable knowledge of natural resource conservation in the area; however, theirrnpractice needs some kind of improvement for sustainability. Providing an extensive awarenessrnand training on sustainable utilization and conservation of natural resources to the indigenousrnpeople and, designing and implementing culturally appropriate and integrative developmentrnprograms can preserve both natural resource and indigenous knowledge.