Indigenous peoples' control over contemporary challenges of traditional subsistence socio-ecological systems sustainability: The case from the taiga zone of Siberia

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-299
Author(s):  
Tatiana Vlasova ◽  
Nikita Kaplin ◽  
Sergey Volkov

Traditional subsistence socio-ecological systems (TSSESs) based on hunting, gathering and fishing are widely spread all-over the taiga zone of Siberia. Nowadays, they are strongly impacted by several drivers of change, coming from human activities and climate changes with cascading both positive and negative effects on all components of ecosystem functions and services. The effects may influence quality of life of indigenous people and human capacities. Key multi-scale issues and possible ways of their solution are identified in TSSESs of Evenkia municipal district of the Krasnoyarsk region based on scientific research and traditional local knowledge and perceptions integration. Among key issues the degradation of ecosystems heavily impacting local subsistence resources availability (fish and meat for food as well as wild animals’ skins for sale) is the most urgent for the indigenous people living on land. Several negative driving forces both socio-economic and natural such as widespread poaching, forest land auctions and increasing annual rent obligations for hunting grounds to the indigenous peoples, imposing limits (quarters) without taking into account real subsistence need of indigenous communities, non-compensated impact of spreading infrastructure and logging on taiga forest ecosystems and hunting grounds, as well as climate changes, are impacting quality of life and human capacities of indigenous people. This analysis of key issues and driving forces leading to them gives us opportunity to propose several ways of such issues solution. The improvement of control and management of TSSESs sustainability with active participation of indigenous people is the principle way for achieving TSSESs resilience and sustainability.

2020 ◽  
pp. 104365962095252
Author(s):  
Jodi Terpstra ◽  
Rebecca Lehto ◽  
Gwen Wyatt

Introduction: While spirituality and quality of life (QOL) are essential components of end-of-life (EOL) care, limited studies have examined these constructs for indigenous peoples. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to examine the state of the science regarding spirituality and QOL at EOL for indigenous people, particularly Native Americans. Method: The Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework guided this scoping review, which examined 30 articles that included qualitative and quantitative studies, commentary papers, and reviews. Results: The findings identified five spiritual dimensions: the life and death journey, a belief in spirits, tribally grounded traditions, dominant cultural religion influences, and a family focus. QOL indicators included survivorship, optimization of holistic health, communication, and access to appropriate resources. Death rituals were important EOL elements. Discussion: Given the importance of spirituality to QOL for indigenous people, clinicians must be knowledgeable and responsive to indigenous spiritual needs to promote QOL at EOL.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
VERONICA JOHANSSON ◽  
SURJO R. SOEKADAR ◽  
JENS CLAUSEN

Abstract:Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) can enable communication for persons in severe paralysis including locked-in syndrome (LIS); that is, being unable to move or speak while aware. In cases of complete loss of muscle control, termed “complete locked-in syndrome,” a BCI may be the only viable solution to restore communication. However, a widespread ignorance regarding quality of life in LIS, current BCIs, and their potential as an assistive technology for persons in LIS, needlessly causes a harmful situation for this cohort. In addition to their medical condition, these persons also face social barriers often perceived as more impairing than their physical condition. Through social exclusion, stigmatization, and frequently being underestimated in their abilities, these persons are being locked out in addition to being locked-in. In this article, we (1) show how persons in LIS are being locked out, including how key issues addressed in the existing literature on ethics, LIS, and BCIs for communication, such as autonomy, quality of life, and advance directives, may reinforce these confinements; (2) show how these practices violate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and suggest that we have a moral responsibility to prevent and stop this exclusion; and (3) discuss the role of BCIs for communication as one means to this end and suggest that a novel approach to BCI research is necessary to acknowledge the moral responsibility toward the end users and avoid violating the human rights of persons in LIS.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 462-481
Author(s):  
Tatiana Borodina ◽  
Alexander Savchenko

Abstract The impact of the transformation of economic activities and sharp weather and climate changes on the quality of life in rural settlements on peatlands in the Moscow region was analyzed. As theoretical background, an analysis of various interpretations of the concept of the quality of life was carried out, including in the context of sustainable development. The impact of economic and environmental factors of the quality of life in rural settlements on peatlands is considered with respect to their location in the zone of attraction of Moscow. It was concluded that the development of industrialization in the region led to population decline and to increase in the anthropogenic load. This critically increased the vulnerability of peatlands to fluctuations in weather and climate conditions and several times led to serious environmental disasters. At the same time, location in the zone of attraction of Moscow opens up opportunities for improving the quality of life associated with the development of post-industrial recreational use.


2019 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-11
Author(s):  
Asnat Bar-Haim Erez ◽  
Eynat Gal

Background. Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome of occupational therapy practice. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the individual throughout their lifespan and may substantially affect QoL. Measuring QoL of people with ASD presents a challenge and a debate whether to use general versus disability-specific adapted measures. Purpose. This paper aims to (a) revisit the construct of QoL and discuss specific dilemmas pertaining to its measurement, and (b) discuss implications to the assessment of QoL in individuals with ASD while highlighting the potential contribution of occupational therapy to the development of measures. Key Issues. We suggest adding the domain of accessibility into QoL assessments, including, physical, sensory, social, and cognitive aspects, and to use disability-specific QoL measures. Implications. The paper presents a call for occupational therapists to be involved in developing specific ASD disability-oriented measures that consider the unique characteristics of the disorder and environmental supports.


Author(s):  
Hsiao-Ming Chang ◽  
Chiu-Hui Hung ◽  
Yen-Chen Huang Huang

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of indigenous people’s perceived the quality of life (QoL) on the tribe in the process of tourism development. In the survey, 8 tribes in Alishan were selected as the research objects, and a total of 827 valid questionnaires were collected through random sampling based on the proportion of each tribe's households. After statistical analysis, the findings of this study are as follows: 1. In terms of the influence on QoL, indigenous people’s perceived higher are "I am proud of our tribe". 2. Different demographic variables have an influence on the perceived QoL of indigenous peoples. 3. Those whose family work has nothing to do with the tourism industry have a higher perception of the influence on the QoL. Based on the above findings, this study not only gives suggestions to indigenous tribes and tourism sectors of the government, but also puts forward specific research reference directions for future tribal tourism researchers.


Author(s):  
Marius SĂBĂDAŞ ◽  
Marcel DÎRJA ◽  
Mihai MAXIM

The objective of the research was to identify recent studies which have shown that previous climate changes are not comparable to the current global warming. The magnitude of these changes we all feel nowadays, and the effects most of the time with significant damage to both people and the environment, have reached a significant increase. It is well known that the rural environment is the area where food is produced, and that is why it is necessary not to postpone at all, the protective measures against the effects of global warming. Protecting air, water and soil resources against pollution and degradation must be the number one priority for sustainable rural development. The study area, namely Aghiresu area, is located in Cluj County, Transylvania, Romania, and it is known for its preponderant activity in agriculture and mining. It brings into attention, the situation of several limestone fields where the groundwater is strongly affected by the underground galleries. The principles of sustainable development especially of the rural environment, now more than ever, must take into account the quality of life, which depends on the protection of the environment and the existing resources.


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