Retrieving Intangibility, Stemming Biodiversity Loss: The Case of Sacred Places in Venda, Northern South Africa

Innocent Pikirayi,Munyadziwa Magoma

doi:10.3390/heritage4040249

Abstract

Sacred sites and landscapes mirror indigenous peoples’ identity, well-being and sense of place. In Venda, northern South Africa, such places are preserved through myths and legends. Following a scoping study, which also involved engagement with indigenous communities, we reveal how human-driven destruction of biodiversity contributes towards significant losses of such heritage. Large-scale agriculture, mining and commercial plantations around Thathe forest, Lake Fundudzi and Phiphidi waterfalls are not only destroying these places, but also impoverishing indigenous peoples. This is not sustainable from the perspective of heritage conservation, survival and well-being of indigenous communities. Recognising intangible values expressed through myths and legends is necessary in heritage conservation and in addressing some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Highlights

Introduction and Research ContextSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are about the future, and how any generation perceives such [1,2,3]
Significant colonial and corporate developments in mining and agriculture, have been touted as crucial investments that would bring employment among local and indigenous people and help reduce poverty and hunger. These developments are biodiversity loss, increasing hunger and poverty. Such biodiversity losses to Venda worldview and identity are a threat to Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land)
Our paper has shown how in such a world characterized by disparate approaches to development, with negative impact on indigenous communities, knowledge of local histories, myths and legends is imperative

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and Research ContextSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are about the future, and how any generation perceives such [1,2,3]. As a Darwinian scholar, Teilhard de Chardin perceived the universe in evolutionary terms, seeing it constantly shifting towards a state of greater complexity and higher levels of consciousness. Within this evolutionary process, he discerned several changes, or transitions. According to Teilhard, the beginnings of life on earth and the emergence of human consciousness are two critical thresholds in this process. These changes or transformations trigger new stages in a continuous process of development. Tnhoerathre-aeainstwehrnichfothoethyillilvseoisf atlhsoe rSeofeurtrpedantosbbyertghemsaomuenntaaimnes. [V9e–n1d1a].pTeohpeleresearch sahreowrsaigehrssenoiwdtoihgersnaeototdhnrta.ehttThdete.hhrneeeTroreaherretaheirrse-ecevcaiososantnlvesusareeenlqqufuuieoneeoinnnptchcrepieeslrlsssweeswohrefvrehtvniheniennigngStioaananuntngatddpinbacgclneooisbnnvblsaseeelerurgvrvevamisnilnauogsugecinsrniitntbaaateisnnadcgsnrtii[gbob9li–seeba1dlhc1er]ete.orhdTietshalraageincterardeeg[ss1dcee2aa,pl[r1a1c3enh2s].,d1s3c]a. pSeas credSascirteeds sainteds alnadndlasncdaspceapseisninVVeennddaa aarreesslolowwlylybebineginegrodereoddaendd daencdimdaetecdimbyatmedodberynmodern devedleovpelmopemntenatnadndinintetennssiiffyyingg hhuummaannsestetltetmleemnte. nt

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