Diné kinship as a framework for conserving native tree species in climate change

Abstract

Climate change affects all ecosystems but despite increasing recognition for the needs to integrate Indigenous knowledge with modern climate science, the epistemological differences between the two make it challenging. In this study, we present how Indigenous belief and knowledge system can frame the application of a modeling tool (Climate‐Forest Vegetation Simulator). We focus on managing forest ecosystem services of the Diné (Navajo) Nation as a case study. Most Diné tribal members depend directly on the land for their livelihoods and cultural traditions. The forest plays a vital role in Diné livelihoods through social, cultural, spiritual, subsistence, and economic factors. We simulated forest dynamics over time under alternative climate change scenarios and management strategies to identify forest management strategies that will maintain future ecosystem services. We initialized the Climate‐Forest Vegetation Simulator model with data from permanent plots and site‐specific growth models under multiple management systems (no‐management, thinning, burning, and assisted migration planting) and different climate scenarios (no‐climate‐change, RCP 4.5, RCP 6.0). Projections of climate change show average losses of basal area by over 65% by 2105, a shift in tree species composition to drier‐adapted species, and a decrease in species diversity. While substantial forest loss was inevitable under the warming climate scenarios, the modeling framework allowed us to evaluate the management treatments, including planting, for conserving multiple tree species in mixed conifer forests, thus providing an anchor for biodiversity. We presented the modeling results and management implications and discuss how they can complement Diné kinship concepts. Our approach is a useful step for framing modern science with Indigenous Knowledge and for developing improved strategies to sustain natural resources and livelihoods.

Climate-driven losses to knowledge systems and cultural heritage: A literature review exploring the impacts on Indigenous and local cultures

“…For the Diné Nation, forests are central to their identity, livelihoods and culture, with their relationship to ecology being an expression of their kinship systems which is premised on reciprocity. However, due to climate change stressors their forests may decline between 65%-89% by 2100 (Yazzie et al, 2019). Voggesser et al (2013) reviewed the literature on climate change impacts on First Nations peoples' forests in the USA.…”

Cascading loss and loss risk multipliers amid a changing climate in the Pacific Islands

“…It is, therefore, clear that losses from climate change are not occurring to the ecosystem and people separately, but to an interconnected system with embedded social, cultural and ecological structures that form the foundation of identity, wellbeing, way of life, worldviews and self-esteem (Couzin 2007 ; Mustonen 2013 ; Williams and Hardison 2014 ; Movono et al 2017 ; Yazzie et al 2019 ). In this way, one stakeholder emphasised that climate change is “another mode of erasure” of Indigenous people altogether (participant #1, 2020).…”

Trends of forest and ecosystem services changes in the Mescalero Apache Tribal Lands

“…This practice provides detailed information on forest structure and composition changes through time and the relationship of trees with their environment (Lovett et al 2007). Recently, CFI data have been used as a baseline for climate change assessments on the Navajo Nation (Yazzie et al 2019). Similar permanent plots monitored by the US Forest Service on federal lands have been utilized to describe the provision of forested ecosystem services.…”

“…Recently, CFI data have been used as a baseline for climate change assessments on the Navajo Nation (Yazzie et al. 2019). Similar permanent plots monitored by the US Forest Service on federal lands have been utilized to describe the provision of forested ecosystem services.…”