My research will have tangible relevance for addressing the pressing challenge of a better integration of habitat and species protection with economic development in areas of conservation concern in the Global South. The research directly addresses challenges posed by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, 2022, with its aim, to set aside 30% of all land for area-based protection by 2030 (30×30). This framework includes references to equitable rights for local populations. Important work towards such equitable rights can be done by expanding our knowledge and understanding about how local cosmologies (here actualised through technicity) can be incorporated into more equitable policies concerning nature-conservation in areas where groups of people practise subsistence fishing. As 50 out of the world’s 51 million fishers operate in small-scale fisheries the understanding of otherwise largely elusive win-win scenarios for both, economic development, and environmental protection, as is reported from Arapaima fisheries, is of great relevance. In advancing this understanding, the research will also directly relate to Sustainable Development Goals (1) no poverty, (2) zero hunger, (12) responsible production and consumption and (14) life below water.