Indigenous and local knowledge in environmental management for human-nature connectedness: a leverage points perspective

AbstractThis article provides a rationale for inner transformation as a key and hitherto underresearched dimension of sustainability transformations. Inner transformation relates to various aspects of human existence and interactions such as consciousness, mindsets, values, worldviews, beliefs, spirituality and human–nature connectedness. The article draws on Meadows’ leverage points approach, as places to intervene in a system, to reveal the relevance of inner transformation for system change towards sustainability. Based on insights from a series of dialogue and reflection workshops and a literature review, this article provides three important contributions to sustainability transformations research: first, it increases our conceptual understanding of inner transformation and its relevance for sustainability; second, it outlines concrete elements of the inner transformation-sustainability nexus in relation to leverage points; and third, it presents practical examples illustrating how to work with leverage points for supporting inner transformation. In sum, the paper develops a systematized and structured approach to understanding inner transformation, including the identification of deep, i.e., highly influential, leverage points. In addition, it critically discusses the often contentious and divergent perspectives on inner transformation and shows related practical challenges. Finally, current developments in inner transformation research as well as further research needs are identified.

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Leverage points to foster human–nature connectedness in cultural landscapes

AMBIO ◽

10.1007/s13280-021-01504-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maraja Riechers ◽

Ioana Alexandra Pătru-Dușe ◽

Ágnes Balázsi

Keyword(s):

Human Nature ◽

Case Studies ◽

Cultural Landscapes ◽

Structural Diversity ◽

Small Scale ◽

Leverage Points ◽

Sustainability Transformation ◽

Nature Connectedness ◽

Ecologically Sustainable ◽

Empirical Case Studies

AbstractCalls for a reconnection to nature and the biosphere have been growing louder over the last decades. Cultural landscapes are rapidly changing, posing a threat to ecosystems and biodiversity, but also to human–nature connections. Human–nature connectedness may be a potential lever to shift the unsustainable trajectory that we are currently proceeding, but is also negatively influenced by it. To concretize the call for a reconnection to nature, we used the leverage points perspective on five empirical case studies with focus on human–nature connectedness. Based on the synthesis of our yearlong work, in this perspective paper, we propose four leverage points to foster a sustainability transformation: (1) maintain and enhance the structural diversity of landscapes, (2) maintain and enhance economically and ecologically sustainable small-scale agriculture, (3) strengthen sense of place and (4) strengthen sense of agency in actors. Intervening in these leverage points could be effective to foster human–nature connectedness and ultimately contribute towards a sustainable trajectory. We further argue that the interconnection between leverage points is equally important as their systemic depth.

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Exploring Indigenous and Local Knowledge and Practices (ILKPs) in Traditional Jhum Cultivation for Localizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Case Study from Zunheboto District of Nagaland, India

Environmental Management ◽

10.1007/s00267-021-01514-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rajarshi Dasgupta ◽

Shalini Dhyani ◽

Mrittika Basu ◽

Rakesh Kadaverugu ◽

Shizuka Hashimoto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Local Knowledge ◽

Sustainable Development Goals ◽

Indigenous And Local Knowledge ◽

Development Goals

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Reply to Bridgewater (2021), 'Response to Davies et al., 'Towards a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands"

Marine and Freshwater Research ◽

10.1071/mf21132 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 72 (10) ◽

pp. 1401

Author(s):

G. T. Davies ◽

C. M. Finlayson ◽

E. Okuno ◽

N. C. Davidson ◽

R. C. Gardner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Indigenous Peoples ◽

Local Knowledge ◽

Local Communities ◽

Universal Declaration ◽

Legal Rights ◽

Indigenous And Local Knowledge ◽

Rights Of Nature ◽

Areas Of Concern ◽

Management Approaches ◽

Conservation And Management

We reply to the main concerns raised by Bridgewater (2021) in his response to Davies et al. (2021a), ‘Towards a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands’. We appreciate the contribution of Bridgewater (2021) to this emerging conversation and, although we disagree with some of his assessments and statements, we do not find his points to be incompatible with support for the Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands (ROW). This reply focuses on four areas of concern raised by Bridgewater (2021). First, we describe why a wetlands-specific declaration will add important value to other Rights of Nature declarations. Second, we discuss how the ROW does not detract from, but rather can contribute to and complement, existing conservation and management approaches and mechanisms. Third, we agree on the importance of weaving Indigenous and local knowledge with other knowledges and emphasise that the ROW should not be confused with or misused to undermine the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities. Finally, we explain how legal rights can and have been granted to non-humans, including elements of Nature, such as wetlands.

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