Understanding Plant Diversity Dynamics in Biocultural Landscapes During the Anthropocene

Abstract

Plant diversity in biocultural landscapes faces a critical challenge at the onset of the Anthropocene with its numerous challenges aggravated by the climate change issues. Two opposing perspectives or philosophies, i.e., anthropocentrism and ecocentrism, prevail. Hence, understanding plant diversity dynamics is imperative in order to formulate appropriate and strategic solutions beneficial to all organisms on earth. The chapter aims to look into the following objectives: (1) describe plant diversity in biocultural landscapes, (2) investigate reports on plant diversity responses during the Anthropocene, and (3) propose a framework on how to manage plant diversity in biocultural landscape during the Anthropocene. Results indicated that in the olden times, plant diversity has been protected and enhanced by the local people through direct mentoring, education, and conversation with elders. During the Anthropocene, triggered with population explosion, there have been more land use type conversion, leading to reduction of plant population size and even species extinction. Species distribution has been altered especially along elevational gradients of many tropical mountains. Lower dominants ascend to higher elevations when disturbances destroyed upper forest zones. Succession at various seral stages seems unconsummated destabilizing ecosystem structure and processes, remarkably diminishing ecosystem services. A framework to harmonize anthropocentrism and ecocentrism is proposed using systems thinking approach, to sustainably manage plant diversity in biocultural landscapes amidst the escalating challenges brought about by the Anthropocene epoch. The framework which appears idealistic can evolve to a more detailed and pragmatic one incorporating philosophical, sociopsychological, and economic theories and realities.