Abstract
AbstractSeveral intergovernmental policy instruments, including the World Heritage Convention of UNESCO and the Convention on Biological Diversity, have proposed to develop integrated strategies to build bridges between biological and cultural diversity agendas. We contend that to succeed in this endeavor, it is crucial to link biocultural revitalization to conservation practice. Our hope with this review is to call attention to indigenous storytelling as an option worth adding to the repertoire of conservation practitioners who aim to: (1) link conservation actions to indigenous worldviews; (2) foster connections between indigenous peoples and their landscapes; (3) facilitate intergenerational transfer of indigenous knowledge; (4) support dialogue over conservation; and (5) promote local participation in conservation. Because indigenous stories are full of resonance, memory, and wisdom—in a footing that is structurally free of power imbalance between conservation practitioners and local communities—, we contend that they can be crucial to guide future efforts in biocultural conservation practice. Our review shows that deeper consideration and promotion of indigenous storytelling can lead to enhanced understanding of diverse values and perceptions around biodiversity, while offering a constructive approach for greater inclusion of indigenous peoples in conservation pursuits.
Highlights
Just as the biosphere is being severely eroded by global change, so too is the ethnosphere, probably at greater rates (Gavin et al 2015)
Indigenous storytelling has been invoked as a potential vehicle to promote local participation in conservation initiatives and address the power asymmetries that have often hampered collaboration with indigenous peoples (IPs) (De Groot & Zwaal 2007)
We explore the potential of indigenous storytelling to guide efforts aimed at revitalizing biocultural heritage
Summary
Just as the biosphere is being severely eroded by global change, so too is the ethnosphere, probably at greater rates (Gavin et al 2015). Researchers argue that the losses of biological and cultural diversity are inextricably linked and driven by the same threats (Pretty et al 2009; Maffi & Woodley 2010). Advances in biocultural research highlight the importance of tapping into indigenous knowledge to guide conservation in indigenous lands (IPs; Mistry & Berardi 2016). It has been argued that indigenous cultures should be fostered in order to better engage IPs in conservation (Fernandez-Llamazares et al 2015; Brondizio & Le. Tourneau 2016). Despite the evidence of this link, there is little attention to the potential applications of indigenous storytelling for bridging the gap between biocultural revitalization and nature conservation, helping to maintain an intergenerational memory, and connecting conservation discourses to local contexts through two-way dialogues.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
