Traditional Resource Management Practices Research Articles

Urban sacred forests support human well-being through cultural ecosystem services

PurposeSacred forests are biocultural landscapes deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions of spiritual veneration. These sacred sites, including shrines, temple forests churches and graveyards, have historically been significant reservoirs of traditional resource management practices underpinned by spiritual reverence. However, despite their cultural and ecological importance, the cultural ecosystem services inherent to these sacred forests remain unexplored, particularly in urban settings.Design/methodology/approachThis study focused on six sacred sites within Kanazawa City, Japan, using a meticulous face-to-face survey with 342 participants. We collected data on the extent of forest utilisation, the breadth of activities engaged in by visitors and their holistic appraisal of the rendered cultural ecosystem services. The findings illustrate the multifaceted benefits of urban sacred forests, encompassing participation in religious ceremonies, cultural events and festivals, complemented by educational programming that elucidates the historical and traditional underpinnings of the shrines and their surrounding communities.FindingsIt has been observed that urban forests have a crucial role in providing spiritual and communal connectivity, preserving traditional heritage, offering vital aesthetic values as green spaces and making visitors connected with nature while they are in the urban landscape. However, a concerning trend has emerged, as the younger demographic appears to lack interest in participating in the stewardship and cultural activities associated with these biocultural landscapes. Community engagement strategies must be strengthened, conservation measures should be implemented and cultural awareness programs need to be established to ensure the perpetuation and appreciation of these valuable urban sacred forests.Originality/valueThis study provides original perspectives on the measurable cultural ecosystem services and intangible values associated with urban sacred forests using the sacred forests in Kanazawa City, Japan. Our research illuminates the various advantages that visitors derive by examining the intersection of spiritual traditions, resource management practices and cultural significance, which has been relatively unexplored. The present study provides a significant basis for establishing initiatives that seek to promote the cultivation of respect and responsibility towards urban sacred forests.

Eco-cultural Restoration of Riparian Wetlands in California: Case Study of White Root (Carex barbarae Dewey; Cyperaceae)

This study defines the cultural and ecological significance of white root (Carex barbarae Dewey; Cyperaceae), and presents a template for eco-cultural restoration, drawing from both Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Scientific Ecological Knowledge. Carex barbarae is an herbaceous perennial understory plant in valley oak riparian woodlands, endemic to California and southern Oregon. Referred to as white root, C. barbarae is an indicator species of both cultural and ecological health. Two-thirds of the California Indian tribes within the range of white root historically tended and managed these sedges for basketweaving. Traditional management by Indian groups resulted in the creation and maintenance of homogeneous patches throughout low-elevation riparian forests of California, maintaining a lawn-like understory and a park-like physiognomy. Gathering and tending practices significantly influenced the distribution, quality and abundance of white root beds on species, community, and landscape scales. Understanding how indigenous people shaped their environment using Traditional Resource Management practices and related ecological effects is integral to successful contemporary restoration of riparian habitats. Understanding the reciprocal relationships between California Indians and their sovereign landscape is important to contemporary indigenous cultures and their identity, resilience, and vitality.

Extensive Overlap in the Selection of Wild Fruits by Chimpanzees and Humans: Implications for the Management of Complex Social-Ecological Systems

Understanding the capacity for humans to share resources (crops, wild foods, space) with large-bodied wildlife is vital for biodiversity conservation and human wellbeing, and requires comprehensive examination of their temporal interactions over fine spatial scales. We combined ecological (plant identification, wild fruit availability plots, animal faecal and trace sampling) and social science (free-listing, semi-structured interviews, participant observation) methods to systematically and simultaneously collect data on the availability and selection of fruits from wild plants by humans and critically-endangered chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus), a national conservation flagship species at Cantanhez National Park, Guinea-Bissau. Within an area of 12.7 km2, we demonstrate that local people’s monthly use of wild fruits was driven by its overall availability in the habitat, whereas chimpanzees, as ripe fruit specialists, sought out fruits year-round. Humans and chimpanzees overlap in the selection of fruits from at least 27 wild plant species. The ranked use of fruits from species which were used by both chimpanzees and humans was significantly positively correlated, suggesting they preferentially target fruits of the same wild plant species. Each month, humans and chimpanzees selected three to six of the same wild fruit species. Chimpanzees fed significantly more on wild fruit species that were available for longer periods, with no effect of that plant species density. Neither plant density nor number of fruiting months impacted human selection of fruit from a plant species, suggesting people might seek out desired resources irrespective of a species’ abundance in the landscape. These findings are important for the development of a shared knowledge base to establish culturally relevant conservation management strategies. We recommend the active management of plant species that are exploited for their fruits by both humans and chimpanzees at Cantanhez National Park, including figs (Ficus spp), oil-palm (Elaeis guineensis) and velvet tamarind (Dialium guineense). This can be achieved through supporting traditional resource management practices and the strategic replanting of shared plants in deforested areas and degraded corridors between forest fragments. This situation is representative of human-chimpanzee coexistence scenarios found across West Africa; the importance of shared resource use should be incorporated into local, national and regional conservation strategies.

Exploring Concept of Sustainability through Understanding Traditional Resource Management Practices: Case of Thar Desert, India

The Brundtland Report published in 1980s, for the United Nations Organization, mentioned the concept of sustainability for the first time. It explained the concept as it is understood in modern times. However, while the term itself may not be very old, but is the core idea of sustainability and sustainable development also so recent? Or has it been central to the historic cities and developments which have managed to survive for centuries. Following paper examines various components, principles and parameters of sustainability, as defined in contemporary discourse, in a specific geographical context. The background is set in Indian subcontinent’s desert landscape- Thar, an arid and semi-arid geographic region. It explores knowledge systems developed and still practiced by native communities, over generations, to brave tough climatic condition and have shaped unique habitat in this/such resource parched geographies. The paper highlights the core values of sustainability as understood by the native communities of Thar and the nature of development it eventually shaped here as a product of this understanding. Finally, it concludes the merits in taking clues from traditional practices of resource management and strengthening the role of communities towards a more sensitive and sustainable future.

Perception and attitude of pastoralists on the use and conservation of rangeland resources in Afar Region, Ethiopia

Community perception plays a significant role in rangeland resource management. Traditional rangeland management practices by the pastoral communities are based on accumulated knowledge in connection to their local environment. Pastoralism played a vital role in food production and sustaining its inhabitants in arid environment for millennia. However, national policies and development interventions in East African pastoral systems have often overlooked pastoralism while centered on the modernization of agricultural sector for economic development and poverty reduction. We used household survey, focus group discussion, key informant interview, and individual questionnaire to understand the perceptions and attitude of Afar pastoralists towards rangeland resource use and conservation practices, as well as impacts of development intervention on traditional rangeland resource use and conservation practices. The data were analyzed using index ranking and descriptive statistics. The results showed that livestock holding per household was higher on average (22.90 ± 2.27 Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU)) in the non-intervened woreda than in the intervened woreda (8.30 ± 3.85 TLU). Respondents mentioned that livestock productivity was adversely affected by a number of factors such as invasion of Prosopis juliflora (Dergi Hara), shrinkage in the capacity of rangelands (Beadu and Bebea’), and recurrent droughts. Scarcity of grazing resources attributed to the invasion of Dergi Hara and drought created livestock feed crisis with strong implication on the livelihood of pastoralists. Our results showed that the traditional resource management practices such as mobility, herd splitting, and diversification had a role to contribute to the improvement of rangeland management and conservation of biodiversity. Traditional rules and seasonal-based grazing patterns of riversides during drought were perceived as key elements for rangeland resource management and conservation of rangeland resources in the study area. Communities’ perception showed that the traditional practices of rangeland management systems are effective and environmentally sustainable. In contrast, inappropriate development interventions put rangelands under severe pressure. Although development interventions were aimed at improving the condition of Afar rangeland, they could not bring any enduring solution in terms of improvement of rangeland resources.

Traditional practices of the people of Uttarakhand Himalaya in India and relevance of these in disaster risk reduction in present times

Indepth study of traditional resource management practices of the indigenous people of Uttarakhand Himalaya reveals their appreciably advanced understanding of the causes of various hazards. Through their continued keen observation, experimentation, innovation and recordkeeping these people devised techniques of maximizing resource availability while minimizing the wrath of the hazards. For ensuring universal compliance of the rules so laid down these people relied on social sanctions and religio -magical practices interwoven around little tradition of the people. With weakening social solidarity in the recent times these practices are fast loosing ground and if adequate steps are not taken for documention this rich knowledge of generations could well be lost forever. These practices are highly relevent even today and hold the key to minimizing losses due to natural hazards in a cost effective and sustainable manner and are therefore required to be studied, documented and dovetailed with modern science and technology.

Commercialization unsustainable to Himalayan environment

Indigenous people of north western Himalayan region of India utilize a wide range of biological resources for subsistence. The age-old practices of resource utilization have supported the rural economy with equity and social justice and conservation of resources since generations. However, in recent times, due to market demand, the biological resources are subjected to premature and frequent harvesting of ruthless exploitation by unskilled people particularly from outskirt of people. In addition to this, unfavorable government forest policy and ignoring people’s participation in decision-making and changing climatic conditions are some of the prime factors responsible for changing traditional resource management practices. Over increasing population pressure demand lead for market oriented commercial demand has resulted in over-exploitation of some of the plant resources at alarming pace. This calls for the development of resource management techniques built up on traditional knowledge capable of meeting the challenges of conservation on the one hand and socio-economic development of the local people on the other. Changing indigenous resource management practices in north western Himalaya imperils herbal based health care system and livelihood pattern.

Jambak Jambu Kalko: Nature conservation management of the Serampas of Jambi, Sumatra

Hariyadi B. 2012. Jambak Jambu Kalko: Nature conservation management of the Serampas of Jambi, Sumatra. Biodiversitas 13: 40-45. Serampas is an indigenous group that still inhabits forested areas around the Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP) in the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. The group has occupied the area since several centuries ago, long before the KSNP was officially proclaimed as a national park. The blending of local natural conditions, socio-cultural setting and cosmology has gradually produced a number of local wisdoms and practices to manage the local natural resources. The Serampas traditional resource management practices are not only friendly to the environment, but also encourage the more equitable distribution of natural resources among the members of the Serampas community. Jambak jambu kalko is literally means a list of locally important perennial fruit tree species protected by the Serampas customary system. Beyond the jambak jambu kalko the Serampas also recognize customs, traditions, and values that have important role in managing the local natural resources.

Commercialization unsustainable to Himalayan environment

Indigenous people of north western Himalayan region of India utilize a wide range of biological resources for subsistence. The age-old practices of resource utilization have supported the rural economy with equity and social justice and conservation of resources since generations. However, in recent times, due to market demand, the biological resources are subjected to premature and frequent harvesting of ruthless exploitation by unskilled people particularly from outskirt of people. In addition to this, unfavorable government forest policy and ignoring people’s participation in decision-making and changing climatic conditions are some of the prime factors responsible for changing traditional resource management practices. Over increasing population pressure demand lead for market oriented commercial demand has resulted in over-exploitation of some of the plant resources at alarming pace. This calls for the development of resource management techniques built up on traditional knowledge capable of meeting the challenges of conservation on the one hand and socio-economic development of the local people on the other. Changing indigenous resource management practices in north western Himalaya imperils herbal based health care system and livelihood pattern.

Rethinking “Ecological Migration” and the Value of Cultural Continuity: A Response to Wang, Song, and Hu

Rethinking “Ecological Migration” and the Value of Cultural Continuity: A Response to Wang, Song, and Hu

The Spirits of Conservation

In environmental circles, there are two long-running debates about (1) whether or not indigenous peoples are truly conservationists, and (2) whether or not Christianity is inherently inimical to conservation. In this article, I bring these two debates into dialogue by exploring the changes in resource management practices of an indigenous group in highlands Papua New Guinea, many of whom have recently converted to Christianity. In Porgera, spirits are critical for maintaining and regulating ecological affairs, so it could be assumed that Christianity would erode whatever conservationist principles are extant in traditional religious belief. This is not the case, however. Traditional, conservation-like practices were dependent upon particular spirits, resources, and ecological zones. Christianity has engaged with these spirits, resources, and zones in complex ways. I argue that we need more nuanced understandings of how the global spread of world religions are integrating with traditional resource management practices to more effectively promote sustainability.

Ancient Land Use and Management of Ebey's Prairie, Whidbey Island, Washington

Anthropogenic prairies or meadows along the Northwest Coast of North America are herbaceous lowland openings in a forest-dominated landscape that were historically maintained by indigenous people through intentional burning and other management techniques. These anthropogenic ecosystems were once relatively common in the Northwest, but today are threatened because of the cessation of traditional resource management practices often coupled with widespread development and fire suppression. In this study, we explore the long-term history of Ebey's Prairie, an anthropogenic prairie on Whidbey Island, WA. We use analyses of soils, cultural features, archaeobotanical remains, and artifacts to demonstrate that people have been using the Ebey's Prairie locale for a variety of activities over a broad time scale (about 10,000 to 250 years B.P.). Within at least the last 2,300 years people began setting fires to create and maintain a “prairie” landscape. From that time onward, people used this landscape to harvest a range of open ecosystem resources. Understanding the long-term cultural and natural history of Ebey's and other prairies is a fundamental first step to managing these ecosystems for the future.

Indigenous rangeland resource management in the mountainous areas of northern Nepal: a case study from the Rasuwa District

Rangelands perform numerous functions that have significant ecological and livelihood values for mountain societies in Nepal. There are no other systems more suitable than indigenous management systems, which have evolved over long periods of time and offer approaches to land use that are suitable to the varying climatic, biophysical conditions and ethnic diversity that characterise Nepal. However, traditional resource management practices have been ignored in the past, which has resulted in conflicts and resource degradation. In this context, a survey was conducted in the Rasuwa District of northern Nepal to identify existing indigenous rangeland management systems, examine the challenges facing the development of sustainable practices and suggest possible strategies for promoting their development. It was concluded from this study that local herders in the Rasuwa District of northern Nepal have developed effective indigenous rangeland management systems that include good grazing and conservation practices. Well organised local institutional arrangements and efficient traditional right and tenure systems have evolved that result in the sustainable use of rangeland resources. However, both internal and external factors are now challenging these traditional systems. Results indicated that to remain sustainable rangeland management systems in northern Nepal will require a clear recognition of indigenous knowledge of rangeland management as well as the integration of indigenous practices and strategies with modern technologies. More attention should be paid to the facilitation of rangeland legislation covering traditional rights and customary tenure, institutional cooperation and collaboration between government and civil society. Co-management and participatory research and development should be initiated on rangeland resources and the improvement of infrastructure and public service systems.

Cattle-rangeland management practices and perceptions of pastoralists towards rangeland degradation in the Borana zone of southern Ethiopia

A survey was conducted in the Borana pastoral areas of southern Ethiopia to assess current livestock production systems, rangeland management practices and the perceptions of the pastoralists towards rangeland degradation. This information is considered vital to future pastoral development planning and interventions. Data were collected from a total of 20 villages that were identified from 5 peasant associations, namely Did Yabello, Moyatte, Did Harra, Dubuluk and Melbana. The average household size in the study area was 7.23. The majority of the pastoralists relied on both livestock and crop farming. The average livestock holding per household was 14 cattle, 10 goats, 6 sheep and 2 camels. Livestock holdings, with the exception of camels, has shown a declining trend over time. The two most important traditional rangeland management strategies adopted by the pastoralists included burning and mobility, but since 1974/75 burning has no longer been practised. With regard to mobility, the livestock herding falls in two categories, namely: home based and satellite herding. The former involves the herding of milking cows, calves and immature animals (<2 years) close to the encampments. The latter constitutes the herding of bulls and immatures (>2 years) further away from the encampments. Based on the pastoralists’ perceptions, the major constraints on livestock production in descending order, were recurrent drought, feed and water scarcity, animal diseases, predators and communal land ownership. All the respondents considered the condition of the rangelands to have declined dramatically over time. In the past most development policies were based on equilibrium theories that opposed the communal use of the rangelands and traditional range management practices. The way in which the pastoral system affects the rangeland ecosystem functioning is contentious to this theory and the ‘tragedy of the commons’. There was also a perceived problem of bush encroachment and the ban on traditional burning practices and recurrent droughts were seen as aggravating factors to this invasion process. The increasing practice of crop cultivation on the rangelands was identified as a serious threat to future livestock production and traditional resource management practices. Suggestions for possible interventions to improve the productivity and sustainable use of these rangelands are made.

Traditional resource management practices for biodiversity conservation and their significance in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, India

The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is considered one of the most biologically diverse and socio-culturally rich biosphere reserves in India. From ancient times, the local community considered the entire biosphere area as a sacred landscape, and institutionalized a number of resource conservation and utilization practices through their customs/traditions and religious beliefs. Traditional Resource Management Practices (TRMPs) have evolved through co-existence, interactions, and a reciprocal responses between society and nature. These can be classified into four broad categories: (a) provision of a return to nature; (b) restraints on over-utilization or wastage of resources; (c) management of resources according to their use for subsistence; and (d) creation of opportunities for natural regeneration. In the last hundred years, the age-old TRMPs have been replaced by scientific management systems, which have led to alienation of the community from management of their resources. Conservation of the natural system while ignoring the social system has created severe imbalances in the overall ecosystem of the area. True participation of the local community in the scientific resource management can only be achieved by providing due credit to TRMPs. Therefore, planning of biodiversity conservation should be based on a healthy interaction between formal ecological science and traditional knowledge.

Indigenous technical knowledge inputs for effective disaster management in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem

PurposeSurvival strategy of the masses has led to the evolution of area‐specific, locally pertinent and effective ways of mitigating natural disasters. This vital knowledge base is, however, often ignored and is being fast eroded. The paper aims at highlighting the relevance of these practices that put forth most cost‐effective and acceptable means of mitigating disasters.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the extensive field studies and in‐depth probe of the traditional resource management practices of the people of the remote Himalayan terrain by the author and it reflects his belief in the acumen of the masses.FindingsThe paper discusses the relevance of the various disaster management practices of the region. During the course of their habitation in the disaster‐prone Himalayan terrain the indigenous people through experience, experimentation and accumulated knowledge devised ways of reducing their vulnerability to natural hazards. Studies show that their understanding was fairly evolved in the areas of earthquake, landslide and drought management and had devised efficient ways of mitigating the effects of these.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper reflects the author's individual understanding and interpretation of the practices based on his interactions with the masses.Practical implicationsImprovisation on the traditional practices of disaster management has a major role to play in putting forth cost‐effective and sustainable means of shielding the community against the impact of natural disasters. This article puts forth an alternative approach of interpreting the traditional practices of the masses and would lead to appropriate innovations for better disaster management in the region.Originality/valueThis paper represents a useful attempt to reinforce the importance of local knowledge in mitigating natural disasters, which is often ignored and is quick to erode.

Traditional agroecological knowledge, adaptive management and the socio-politics of conservation in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

This paper illustrates the opportunity for conservation offered by linking traditional agroecological knowledge and advances in adaptive management theory and practice. Drawing on examples from the Banawa-Marawola region of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, a suite of traditional resource management practices premised on principles of adaptive management are identified and assessed, including: (1) resource management practices and regulations that are associated with the dynamics of complex systems; (2) procedural, planning and decision-making processes that foster learning; (3) sanctions and taboos that act as social mechanisms for the management and conservation of natural resources; and (4) ceremonies and social interactions that promote cultural internalization of the various practices, procedures and mechanisms. In addition, an emerging socio-political movement in the Banawa-Marawola region is explored. Premised on the strengthening of traditional rights and practices, the nascent Kamalise movement potentially provides the socio-political, institutional and organizational context needed to link traditional agroecological knowledge and adaptive management with broader conservation goals. Based on this analysis, two opportunities to enhance conservation in the region are identified: first, maintaining traditional agroecological systems and the associated adaptive resource management strategies used by local groups, and second, building upon the Kamalise movement to forge conservation alliances among communities, non-government and government organizations in which locally-evolved adaptive resource management strategies can be effectively applied. Both opportunities to combine traditional knowledge, adaptive management and conservation, however, are linked to the development aspirations of traditional groups: self-determination, acquisition of land rights and controlling the impacts of changes in livelihood.