The role of taboos and traditional beliefs in aquatic conservation in Madagascar

Andriamarovololona, Mijasoa M.; Jones, Julia P. G.

doi:10.1017/cbo9781139030717.021

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Elsewhere in Ghana, external, conservation-motivated support for traditional taboos against harming monkeys (Colobus vellerosus and Cercopithecus mona lowei) has allowed Christian converts to re-embrace traditional values without a conflict of conscience and has led to an increase in the percentage of locals who openly identify themselves as traditionalists (Sammy 2010). Conservation attention to culturally significant sites and species elsewhere might likewise help mitigate the dilution of local TEK resulting from emigration, immigration, economic need, modern education, and conflict with other faiths (Andriamarovololona 2012).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating traditional knowledge when it appears to conflict with conservation: lessons from the discovery and protection of sitatunga in Ghana

McPherson¹,

Sammy²,

Sheppard³

et al. 2016

E&S

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ABSTRACT. Cultural traditions can conflict with modern conservation goals when they promote damage to fragile environments or the harvest of imperiled species. We explore whether and how traditional, culturally motivated species exploitation can nonetheless aid conservation by examining the recent "discovery" in Avu Lagoon, Ghana, of sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii gratus), a species familiar to locals, but not previously scientifically recorded in Ghana and regionally assumed extinct. Specifically, we investigate what role traditional beliefs, allied hunting practices, and the associated traditional ecological knowledge have played in the species' discovery and subsequent community-based conservation; how they might influence future conservation outcomes; and how they may themselves be shaped by conservation efforts. Our study serves to exemplify the complexities, risks, and benefits associated with building conservation efforts around traditional ecological knowledge and beliefs. Complexities arise from localized variation in beliefs (with cultural significance of sitatunga much stronger in one village than others), progressive dilution of traditional worldviews by mainstream religions, and the context dependence, both culturally and geographically, of the reliability of traditional ecological knowledge. Among the benefits, we highlight (1) information on the distribution and habitat needs of species that can help to discover, rediscover, or manage imperiled taxa if appropriately paired with scientific data collection; and (2) enhanced sustainability of conservation efforts given the cultivation of mutual trust, respect, and understanding between researchers and local communities. In turn, conservation attention to traditional ecological knowledge and traditionally important species can help reinvigorate cultural diversity by promoting the persistence of traditional belief and knowledge systems alongside mainstream worldviews and religions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating traditional knowledge when it appears to conflict with conservation: lessons from the discovery and protection of sitatunga in Ghana

McPherson¹,

Sammy²,

Sheppard³

et al. 2016

E&S

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“…One of the consequences of this process, inter alia, results in the fact that the regulations in MPAs have to work with or compete with the informal institutions. In Madagascar, for example, informal institutions (e.g., fady) can impose a fishing prohibition on certain days or in certain secret areas (Cinner et al 2009;Andriamarovololona and Jones 2012). After an MPA is introduced and tourists are visiting the area, such a double stream of institutions (formal and informal) can leave local sea-users feeling conflicted.…”

Section: Structural Issuesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Problematic blue growth: a thematic synthesis of social sustainability problems related to growth in the marine and coastal tourism

Leposa

2020

Sustain Sci

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Marine and coastal tourism constitutes one of the largest and fastest-growing segments in tourism. Growth in marine tourism is now furthered through the 'blue growth' imperative, which this article problematises. The paper argues that there are already existing sustainability issues related to the marine tourism sector. These problems could be exacerbated if growth is additionally boosted. Since the social sustainability consequences of the growth of marine tourism are less known in the sustainability science literature, this paper thematically synthesises these types of sustainability problems in particular, as presented in the tourism studies, and brings them closer to sustainability science readers. The cases of cruise tourism, ecotourism, and tourism in marine protected areas, and community-based tourism studies are examined, wherein the latter represents a critical case for social sustainability matters. The paper reports several social and environmental injustices, produced through structural forces, and a manipulated access to natural resources, health services, and healthy environments. Social sustainability issues are most obvious in cruise tourism; however, also tourism in marine protected areas, ecotourism, and community-based tourism are not unproblematic. Thus, blue growth initiatives should be carefully examined and questioned.

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“…However, Agnalavelo is still threatened by fires, illegal logging for house construction and hunting. Forests that are considered sacred may be better protected and less disturbed (Jones et al 2008, Andriamarovololona and Jones 2012, Uyeda et al 2014. The reinforcement of traditional authorities' power and integration of local rules in forest management would be among strategies to be considered within the Agnalavelo conservation plan.…”

Section: Résumémentioning

confidence: 99%

Value of useful goods and ecosystem services from Agnalavelo sacred forest and their relationships with forest conservation

Randrianarivony¹,

Andriamihajarivo²,

Ramarosandratana³

et al. 2016

MCD

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Agnalavelo forest provides necessary natural resources to people who live in its surroundings (Communities of Mahaboboka, Amboronabo and Mikoboka in southwestern Madagascar). The aim of this study is to document goods and ecosystem services provided by Agnalavelo forest to local people and to use it as a tool for the identification of priorities for forest conservation. Oral interviews were undertaken from 2010-2013 with local communities living in the vicinity of Agnalavelo forest. This study also investigated forest resource use, conducted inventories of tree species, estimated wood biovolume, as well as the economic benefits associated with conservation due to carbon storage. Finally, we recorded felled trees caused by honey collection inside the forest and determine the cause for their slaughter. An investigation with the ownership of rice fields irrigated by rivers taking sources from Agnalavelo forest was also conducted. Based on field surveys and analysis, communities living around Agnalavelo forest draw substantial benefits for their daily life from the forest. Goods and ecosystem services are classified in the three categories (provisioning, cultural and regulating services) according to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA). Cultural services are highly valuable to local people as the forest is a dwelling place for their ancestor's spirits. Agnalavelo forest provides Non Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) such as foods, tools, magic and medicinal plants and fresh water for local people. It is able to store 152 tons of carbon per hectare which is very important for climate regulation in this dry southwestern part of Madagascar. Endemic tree species hosting bee hives are often felled during harvesting period. Agnalavelo forest conservation is very important not only with regards to its biodiversity but also for goods and services that it provides to local population.

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The role of taboos and traditional beliefs in aquatic conservation in Madagascar

Cited by 5 publications

References 14 publications

Integrating traditional knowledge when it appears to conflict with conservation: lessons from the discovery and protection of sitatunga in Ghana

Integrating traditional knowledge when it appears to conflict with conservation: lessons from the discovery and protection of sitatunga in Ghana

Problematic blue growth: a thematic synthesis of social sustainability problems related to growth in the marine and coastal tourism

Value of useful goods and ecosystem services from Agnalavelo sacred forest and their relationships with forest conservation

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