Abstract
Commodification of Traditional Knowledge (TK) has been posited as a possible, although contested, alternative for the conservation of indigenous resources. Here we examine the case of the Chinese Naxi minority, with particular reference to the practice of sacred “Dongba” papermaking. The commodification of TK is a complex process with many pitfalls and trade-offs between the environment, economy, and social empowerment. In the process of commodification, consumers have arisen as an important force in environmental politics. To date, little is known about the way domestic tourists, the main consumer base of indigenous products, perceive Dongba paper. In this context, we examined their knowledge of Naxi culture, their willingness to pay for sustainably produced paper, and their perceptions of the product’s authenticity. This socio-economic study is based on a survey (n = 415) in rural Southwest China. We found a significant potential to market Dongba paper as a sustainable indigenous product. Although knowledge about Naxi culture was circumscribed (3% could identify the plant used for papermaking), the majority of respondents (55%) was willing to pay for TK protection. Respondents also preferred third-party labelling. We posit that TK products could be seen as credence goods, necessitating certification to ensure product authenticity and establish consumer trust. Markedly, the survey also found that attitudes as to who should provide third-party assurance are contradictory. The Chinese government was preferred as the strongest assurance of genuineness, but paradoxically, commanded the least trust in its ability to manage and fund the conservation of TK.
Highlights
Traditional Knowledge is widely recognized as a resource for sustainable development [1] and sustained natural resource management [2]
From the results of the questionnaire, we can surmise that the Lijiang visitors whom we surveyed had very circumscribed knowledge of the local cultural traditions yet most (278; 67%) expressed support for preserving Traditional Knowledge (TK) related to paper production
The 19% (77) who did not mind the disappearance of TK and replacement of TK-derived paper with industrial substitutes should be considered a low percentage
Summary
Traditional Knowledge (hereafter: TK) is widely recognized as a resource for sustainable development [1] and sustained natural resource management [2]. China is no exception to this [5], and numerous studies have documented how ethnic communities communities are drawn into complex, multi-layered, and at times, downright, paradoxical processes are drawn into complex, multi-layered, and at times, downright, paradoxical processes of development of development that may well mean their end [6,7,8]. While the integration of traditional lifestyles and livelihoods livelihoods into global markets and processes of development is not without peril [9], the into global markets and processes of development is not without peril [9], the commodification commodification of TK has been proposed as a possible means of protecting TK [5,10]. The latter implies the replacement the replacement (or supplementation) of TK’s social value amongst knowledge holders by a value (or supplementation) of TK’s social value amongst knowledge holders by a value recognized by the recognized by the market, whereas “commodification” focuses on “the way that goods market,
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
