Abstract
Biodiversity has fundamental values to humans, because we are dependent on it for our nutritional, cultural, economic, and environmental/ecological well-being and the mismanagement of biodiversity leads to resource decline and biodiversity crisis. Moreover, Indigenous Knowledge develops in local contexts to solve local problems, and it is just another form of knowledge which does not set itself in opposition to sciences. However, values of biodiversity and manifold roles of indigenous knowledge including biodiversity conservations are overlooked and are at a risk of getting extinct in general and in Ethiopia in particular. The objective of this study was to collect information on the values of biodiversity, its current status and conservation of biodiversity using indigenous knowledge of the Zeyse, Zergula and Ganta communities in Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from six focus group discussions (Native Individuals with age range: 30 to120) to achieve the goals of the research and all of the discussants were indigenous members of each community. A qualitative research design was used and the data were organized and analyzed around the key themes of the research.The result showed value of the biodiversity including specific values of plant biodiversity- Arundinaria alpinak and Moringa stenopetala as human assets for the livelihood of the community. Moreover, the result indicated strong traditional beliefs, laws and customs and affections towards nature to conserve biodiversity including sacred trees and animals (totems). However, the results also indicated, currently, these cultural values of the communities to conserve biodiversity using indigenous knowledge were at a risk of getting extinct/endangered, which resulted in the loss of biodiversity in the study areas. The study result indicated specific values of biodiversity for the livelihood of the communities and strong ties between indigenous knowledge and biodiversity conservation. Therefore, we need to empower indigenous people to protect their culture embodying indigenous knowledge, belief systems of protecting nature, and cultural practices that promote sustainable biodiversity conservation. Key words: Biodiversity, Indigenous knowledge, wildlife, Nature, Conservation, totem
Highlights
Background and justification of the study According to Wilfred et al (2007), biodiversity refers to a variety of life forms
Biodiversity is directly responsible for 40% of the world‟s economy, 70% of the world‟s poor live in rural areas depend directly on biodiversity for their livelihood, and 80% of Africans depend on forest resources for food, shelter, medicine, rural architecture and engineering for their survival (World Bank, 2004; Anthwal et al, 2006; WHO, 2010)
Respondents of the focus group discussion (FGD) (Figure 8), Zergula community reflected the following values of biodiversity for the livelihood of the community, that is, „‟Domestic animals including horses, donkeys and mules are used for loading goods; cattle are used for ploughing, income generating activity, and nutrients for humans
Summary
Background and justification of the study According to Wilfred et al (2007), biodiversity refers to a variety of life forms Biodiversity refers to a reciprocal relationship between humans and non- human entities that include plants, animals, minerals; and the spiritual consciousness of the people concerning such relationship (Kimmerer, 2002).This implies that, for indigenous people, biodiversity is much broader than the scientific view of ecosystem as it includes spiritual values of nature through creation. Another study reflected, the value of biodiversity as indigenous cultures, and recognize biodiversity's value in religious traditions based on honouring the Earth. Atkinson et al (2012), explains, cultural ecosystem services include use-related values such as leisure and recreation, aesthetic and inspirational benefits, spiritual and religious benefits, community benefits, education and ecological knowledge, and physical and mental health Proximity to nature has been shown to enhance emotional and spiritual wellbeing (Atkinson et al, 2012). Atkinson et al (2012), explains, cultural ecosystem services include use-related values such as leisure and recreation, aesthetic and inspirational benefits, spiritual and religious benefits, community benefits, education and ecological knowledge, and physical and mental health
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