Indigenous spirituality surrounding Serianthes trees in Micronesia: Traditional practice, conservation, and resistance

2021 ◽  
pp. 003776862110327
Author(s):  
Else Demeulenaere ◽  
Sveta Yamin-Pasternak ◽  
Donald H Rubinstein ◽  
Amy Lauren Lovecraft ◽  
Stefanie M Ickert-Bond
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
Fundamental Principle ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Traditional Practice ◽  
Firing Range ◽  
Island Communities ◽  
Fundamental Value ◽  
Biocultural Conservation ◽  
Indigenous Spirituality

Spiritual connections to the natural world are fundamental to Micronesian worldviews. Structured interviews gathered ethnoecological information about Serianthes. The kosmos-corpus-praxis conceptual framework analyzed spirituality surrounding this leguminous tree and its connection with Indigenous cosmology, traditional knowledge, and practices. We can summarize the results as follows: (a) interspecies relationships expressed through rituals and oral history guide ethnobotanical practices in Belau (Palau) and Wa’ab (Yap); (b) the tree is critically endangered on Guåhan (Guam) and Luta (Rota). In Luta, the tree is celebrated as a flagship species for endangered plant recovery, while the last Guåhan tree has become a rallying point for spiritual resistance when its habitat became threatened by military plans to construct a firing range; (c) spirituality is a fundamental value for island communities; and (d) traditional knowledge holders and scholars strive to work together toward a co-production of knowledge, using spirituality as a fundamental principle toward respectful and sustainable biocultural conservation.

AVALIAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO TRADICIONAL DOS PESCADORES DA RDSM APLICADO À IDENTIFICAÇÃO DO SEXO DE PIRARUCUS

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
Kelven Lopes ◽  
Helder Lima de Queiroz
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sustainable Fisheries ◽  
Arapaima Gigas ◽  
Males And Females

This study examined the traditional knowledge of fishermen at Mamirauá Reserve about sex determination of pirarucus, Arapaima gigas Schinz 1822. We evaluated the criteria used for by fishermen in the sector Jarauá at Mamirauá Reserve for this determination, during the fisheries season, from October to November 2004. We analyzed responses of a group of about 15 fishermen collected in structured interviews regarding 109 individual pirarucus, 65 males and 44 females. From this sample, only 64 fish have their sex correctly predicted by the fishermen. Although the traditional knowledge of local fishermen is a key component of the sustainable fisheries of this species, this knowledge is not functional in all ranges and aspects, as in sex distinction. We found that the local fishermen evaluated are not able to recognize the sex of pirarucus, although some criteria applied for this purpose are consistent with their biology. The rates of correct forecasts for recognition of males and females were similar to those obtained by chance, even when the criteria applied were consistent, as the criterion “coloration”, which was significantly consistent for identification of males. Yet the group of fishermen interviewed in this study apparently did not apply this criterion correctly.

scholarly journals A Case Study Exploring the Use of Virtual Reality in the Zoo Context

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 576-588
Author(s):  
Zsuzsa Lugosi ◽  
Phyllis C. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Zoological Society ◽  
African Wild Dogs ◽  
Video Condition ◽  
Entertainment Value ◽  
Wild Dogs

Virtual Reality (VR) is now a popular tool in education and for engagement with the natural world, but to date little research has investigated its potential in a zoo setting. We aimed to gauge the interest of the visiting public in using VR technology at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo. A VR (n = 12) and a video condition (n = 12), both introducing the lives and conservation concerns of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), were used to gain greater insight of the thoughts and perceptions of how individuals evaluated a purpose-built VR experience and to enable comparisons of learning outcomes for both technologies. We used semi-structured interviews; responses were evaluated through thematic analysis and descriptive analysis. Younger participants (aged 13-18 years) emphasized that VR allowed them close and personal access to the animals. Adult participants (aged 19 and above) pointed out the entertainment value of the VR experience while highlighting the potential of its educational aspect; that of enabling visitors to see animals in their natural habitat. While our results require further confirmation due to the limited sample size and restricted circumstances of data collection, we suggest that VR could be usefully introduced as a public education and visitor engagement tool that would benefit the visitors’ learning and overall experience at the zoo.

scholarly journals Canoe-carving, Lamotrek style

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Penny
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
Open Ocean ◽  
Pacific Island ◽  
Measuring Devices ◽  
Island Communities

Micronesian traditional canoe carvers of Lamotrek Atoll are one of the few Pacific communities whose canoe carving, ocean seafaring and indigenous navigation techniques are living traditions. They sail long distances on open ocean in these craft without instruments or maps, using traditional navigation techniques. Their building procedures involve no plans, no measuring devices or numbers. This kind of indigenous boatbuilding and seafaring was once practiced by virtually all Pacific island communities over hundreds or thousands of years, but the traditional knowledge has been eradicated in all but the most isolated and impoverished communities.

scholarly journals Towards Biocultural Conservation: Local and Indigenous Knowledge, Cultural Values and Governance of the White Sturgeon (Canada)

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7320
Author(s):  
Carrie Oloriz ◽  
Brenda Parlee
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
White Sturgeon ◽  
Species At Risk ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
River Population ◽  
European Settlement ◽  
Biocultural Conservation

This paper examines the extent to which Indigenous knowledge and values have informed conservation of the Lower Fraser River population of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) in Canada. A review of grey literature and semi-structured interviews carried out with indigenous Stó:lō fishers and fisheries managers in the Lower Fraser Basin in 2016–2018 evidences the depth of knowledge held by Stó:lō fishers about this species and its importance to local communities. A summary of Stó:lō oral histories about the sturgeon and observations and experiences of settlement and development in the Fraser region, provides context for understanding why and how the white sturgeon came to be listed as a species at risk. However, the impacts were not only ecological; Stó:lō people were also significantly impacted by European settlement and development of the Fraser Basin over the last one hundred years. The assessment of the white sturgeon, under the Canadian Species at Risk Act in 2012 was a missed opportunity to decolonize current management approaches. The paper concludes by suggesting that a biocultural diversity conservation approach, that reflects both ecological and socio-cultural values, and is informed by scientific and Indigenous knowledge systems, is a more sustainable approach to the management of the white sturgeon and other species at risk.

Rethinking Gramsci’s Political Philosophy

1998 ◽  
pp. 68-73
Author(s):  
Maurice A. Finocchiaro
Keyword(s):  
Fundamental Principle ◽  
Theoretical Concept ◽  
Political Life ◽  
The Political ◽  
Traditional Practice ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Key Points ◽  
The Masses ◽  
Explicit Discussion ◽  
Theory Of Democracy

This paper is a clarification and partial justification of a novel approach to the interpretation of Gramsci. My approach aims to avoid reductionism, intellectualism, and one-sidedness, as well as the traditional practice of conflating his political thought with his active political life. I focus on the political theory of the Prison Notebooks and compare it with that of Gaetano Mosca. I regard Mosca as a classic exponent of democratic elitism, according to which elitism and democracy are not opposed to each other but are rather mutually interdependent. Placing Gramsci in the same tradition, my documentation involves four key points. First, the Notebooks contain an explicit discussion of Mosca's ideas such that when Gramsci objects to a theoretical concept or principle, he often presupposes a common methodological orientation, and when he objects to a particular method or approach, he often presupposes a common theoretical view. Second, Gramsci accepts and gives as much importance to Mosca's fundamental principle that in all societies organized elites rule over the popular masses. Third, Gramsci accepts Mosca's distinctive theory of democracy defined as a relationship betwen elites and masses such that the elites are open to the influx of members from the masses. Finally, there is an emblematic practical political convergence btween the two: in 1925, both opposed a Fascist bill against Freemasonry. Although their rhetoric was different, their speeches exhibit astonishing substantive, conceptual and logical similarties.

scholarly journals Expanding the reach: ethnobotanical knowledge and technological intensification in beekeeping among the Ogiek of the Mau Forest, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dauro Mattia Zocchi ◽  
Gabriele Volpato ◽  
Duncan Chalo ◽  
Patrick Mutiso ◽  
Michele Filippo Fontefrancesco
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Ethnobotanical Study ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Ethnobotanical Knowledge ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Crop Fields ◽  
Set Up ◽  
External Actors ◽  
The Tropics

Abstract Background Initiatives for beekeeping intensification across the tropics can foster production and income, but the changes triggered by the introduction of modern beehives might permeate traditional knowledge and practices in multiple ways, and as such should be investigated and understood. We conducted an ethnobotanical study in the Eastern part of the Mau Forest among Ogiek beekeepers who customarily practice forest beekeeping and who are involved in a project aimed at the modernization of their beekeeping activities. We aimed to document the beekeeping-associated ethnobotanical knowledge, exploring the relationships and complementarity between modern and traditional knowledge and practices. Methods Field research was carried out through semi-structured interviews with 30 Ogiek beekeepers and 10 additional stakeholders. We collected ethnobotanical data about plants used for beekeeping purposes, and ethnographic information on traditional and modern beekeeping systems. Results We report 66 plant species, distributed across 36 botanical families representing 58 genera, important as melliferous, for the construction and placing of hives, attracting bees, and harvesting and storing honey. Dombeya torrida (J.F.Gmel.) Bamps, Juniperus procera Hochst. ex Endl., and Podocarpus latifolius (Thunb.) R.Br. ex Mirb. are the species with the most mentions and the highest number of uses. Our study reveals that the Ogiek possess a detailed knowledge of the forest’s flora, its importance and uses and that this knowledge underpins beekeeping practices. Under the influence of external actors, the Ogiek have progressively adopted modern versus traditional log hives and moved beekeeping out of the forest into open areas of pastures and crop fields. Beekeepers are also experimenting with combinations of practices borrowed from modern and traditional beekeeping systems, particularly in the field of hive construction and in the criteria to set up apiaries. Conclusions The study indicates a complementarity and an incipient hybridization of traditional and modern beekeeping, in a way that suggests that modern beehives are instrumental in expanding the reach of beekeeping into deforested and cultivated areas. The study also points to the existence of a rift in the effects of beekeeping intensification on the livelihoods of the Ogiek and on their relationship with the forest. We argue that this intensification might be improving the former but weakening the latter, carrying the associated risk of erosion of traditional forest-based ethnobotanical knowledge.

scholarly journals Sustainable Development in Island Communities: The Case Study of Postira

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Željka Tonković ◽  
Jelena Zlatar
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sustainable Community Development ◽  
Island Communities

Abstract The article shows the results of the case study of Postira, a village and a municipality on the island of Brač (Croatia) and presents a positive example of sustainable community development on islands in the post-transition social context. Based on the theory of sustainable local community development and its four pillars (economic, ecological, social and cultural), we analyse both the secondary data and the primary data collected from semi-structured interviews with the key actors of local development. The study shows that economic, ecological, social and cultural domaines are connected in Postira which allows for sustainable development of the place. By examining various aspects of sustainable development in Postira, we present the general framework of sustainable island development. It is based on integral development of the local community on sustainability principles, it defines key processes and guidelines and can be applied to rural and island areas, taking into account the specificities of each community.

scholarly journals “Adonde é o aposento do pescado?”: ecozoneamento do manguezal na pesca artesanal de crustáceos da Reserva Extrativista Marinha da Baía do Iguape, Maragogipe – Bahia

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Francisco Santos Cousiño Casal ◽  
Francisco José Bezerra Souto
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
River Mouth ◽  
Mangrove Ecosystem ◽  
Spatial Knowledge ◽  
Fishing Community ◽  
Artisanal Fishing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Fishing Resources ◽  
Guided Tours

Crustaceans, along with molluscs and fish, are the most important fishing resources forsubsistence and income for people in the mangrove ecosystem. In this environment, traditional cultural system recognizeand classify certain ecological areas called ecozones. The aim of this study was to understand how the fishermencharacterize the fishing areas and how this influences the traditional knowledge of the artisanal fishing of crustaceans in themangrove ecosystem. This study was carried out at the Baía de Iguape Marine Extractive Reserve, with the fishingcommunity of Angola. The sample of interviewed was defined from individuals opportunistically found using the criterionof native experts. There were open and semi-structured interviews with 42 fishermen. Techniques of guided tours andparticipatory mapping were also used. The main ecological zones identified by the fishing community of Angola were:“costeiro” (= coastal), “riacho” (= stream or creek), “rio” (= river), “boca de rio” (= river mouth), “enseada” (= creek),“canal” (= waterway), “coroa” (= shoal), “poço” (= well), “ilha” (= island), “ilhote” (= islet), “mangue” (= mangrove) and“terra” (= land). The Angola fishermen have demonstrated a refined spatial knowledge about fishing sites and theirfeatures, relating them to bioecology of fishing resources exploited.

scholarly journals Paradise Regained? Localised and Limited Nature Connexions in the UK's Covid-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Dobson ◽  
Tony Gore ◽  
Kim Graham ◽  
Kate Swade
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Environmental Attitudes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Paradise Regained ◽  
Nature Connectedness ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Purposive Sample

Research has suggested that connexions between humans and the natural world lead to increased well-being and generate pro-environmental attitudes, which in turn benefit nature. This article asks whether users of outdoor public spaces in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 experienced greater connectedness with nature, consistent with the five “pathways to nature connectedness” identified in previous research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 42 individuals on their use of green and public spaces during the UK's lockdown, while a further 29 participants responded to an online survey. While the research revealed the importance of nature connectedness, only three of the five pathways were well-evidenced, and these connexions were frequently mediated by social activities. The article advances the study of nature connectedness by identifying challenges in applying the pathways framework and suggesting areas for further research to understand how the pathways operate in real-world conditions.

scholarly journals Awareness of the Convention on Biological Diversity and provisions regarding access and benefit sharing among multiple stakeholder groups in Bhutan

Oryx ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 735-742
Author(s):  
Sonam Wangyel Wang ◽  
Woo Kyun Lee ◽  
Jeremy Brooks ◽  
Chencho Dorji
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
National Level ◽  
Benefit Sharing ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Access And Benefit Sharing ◽  
Nagoya Protocol ◽  
Stakeholder Groups

AbstractAs part of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing calls for ‘fair and equitable sharing of benefits’ derived from the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. However, implementation of the Convention and the Nagoya Protocol has been challenged by the inadequacies of existing policies, lack of national-level frameworks, and inadequate knowledge among stakeholders. We used focus group meetings and structured interviews with rural communities, government representatives, researchers and Members of Parliament in Bhutan to collect data on awareness, knowledge and perceptions of components of the CBD related to access and benefit sharing. Our study indicated generally low levels of awareness about most components of the Convention, particularly among rural residents. Although local people in rural communities feel that benefits derived from local biological resources and traditional knowledge should be shared, there is uncertainty about who owns these resources. These results indicate that there is an urgent need to develop educational and awareness programmes, using a variety of media, to target particular stakeholder groups, with emphasis on residents in rural communities. This could empower local communities to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes to develop Bhutan's national access and benefit sharing framework, and to allow them to benefit from the conservation and sustainable use of local resources.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document