Biodiversity, Ecomusicology and Fostered Nominal Ecology

Abstract

The trajectory of different nations of the world has recently been fixated on climate actions and sustainability. The African continent has joined the train too, as countries begin to take strides toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable society and climate action. Thus, it becomes necessary to inquire about the viability of a combination of the traditional beliefs and cultural ethos with ecological projects, in achieving these sustainable development goals. Could the already established indigenous systems in Africa be of practical contribution to the protection of biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and other climate actions? Could these already institutionalised and ethnographic programmes engender inclusive climate activity? Nigeria boasts of diverse ecological and biocentric indigenous beliefs, cultures and practices. One of such is the Osun-Osogbo sacred grove. This grove is a concentration of flora and fauna diversity, which has been preserved for years and has also been rooted in spiritual and physical beliefs. Some of the fauna species found in this grove are the African Civet, African giant Snail, and African giant Rat, among others which include Aves. Some flora species include African teak, Camwood, Palm tree, bamboo, and a host of others. Also, music has played a major role in the advocacy for conservation and environmental protection. Singing some songs at the Osun-Osogbo grove and during the Osun-Osogbo festival ensures orientation, sensitisation and promotion of eco-friendly habits, thereby serving ecomusicological purposes. This study therefore focuses on the Osun-Osogbo grove and indigenous values to present a possible sustainable society. Thus, as a response to climate change, this paper draws on these values and the Osun-Osogbo grove to propose conservationism, and artificial cultivation of biodiversity for climate change adaptation, mitigation and resilience, using indigenous methods.