Rediscovering the Potential of Indigenous Storytelling for Conservation Practice

Several 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,...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Fernández-Llamazares, Álvaro|||0000-0002-7813-0222, Cabeza, Mar|||0000-0002-7410-7631
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:292496
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/292496
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.1111/conl.12398
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Biocultural conservation
Indigenous peoples
Intergenerational communication
Local Environmental Knowledge
Oral tradition
Storytelling
SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 15 - Life on Land
Descripción
Sumario:Several 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.