Traditional ecological knowledge and practices for forest conservation in Thathe Vondo in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Sinthumule, Ndidzulafhi Innocent; Mashau, Mbuelo Laura

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00910

Cited by 56 publications

(52 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…The forest falls within the northern mist belt, hence is frequently covered by mist throughput the year (Mucina and Rutherford 2006). The species found therein are of subtropical provenience, with tall and diverse trees, which are multi-layered, have a well-developed canopy and understory layers (Mashau 2007;Mucina and Rutherford 2006;Sinthumule and Mashau, 2020). Xymalos monospora (lemonwood), Cussonia spicata (cabbage tree) and Oxyanthus gerrardii (Whipstick Falseloquat).…”

Section: Biodiversitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Retrieving Intangibility to Avert Human-Driven Bio-Diversity Loss: The Case of Thathe Sacred Forest, Phiphidi Waterfalls and Lake Fundudzi, Northern South Africa

Pikirayi¹,

Magoma²

2021

Preprint

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Human-driven biodiversity destruction are responsible for significant and sustained heritage losses in Africa. In Venda, northern South Africa, biodiversity losses are eroding the existence of sacred places. Such places define the essence of indigenous people’s identity and well-being. We highlight how developments in Venda such as mining and agricultural expansion since apartheid times have destroyed biodiversity in the broader landscape, undermining efforts to reduce hunger and poverty. Thathe forest, Lake Fundudzi and Phiphidi waterfalls are central to Venda mythology and legends, origins and identity and are key towards conserving current biodiversity and heritage losses.

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Section: Biodiversitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Retrieving Intangibility to Avert Human-Driven Bio-Diversity Loss: The Case of Thathe Sacred Forest, Phiphidi Waterfalls and Lake Fundudzi, Northern South Africa

Pikirayi¹,

Magoma²

2021

Preprint

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“…It can bolster by people's perception that a forest is a forbidden place where there is a guardian to save the forest, home for fearsome guardians where it can peril for people (Uyeda, Iskandar, Purbatrapsila, Pamungkas, Wirsing, & Kyes, 2014). This leads to a positive attitude equated with obedience because local people were found not to harvest firewood or hunt in the sacred forest because of respect and fear (Sinthumule & Mashau, 2020).…”

Section: Larangan Forest Create Community Resiliencementioning

confidence: 99%

Leuit and prohibition forest: Indigenous knowledge of an Urug community resilience

Bahagia

Mangunjaya

Wibowo³

et al. 2020

Harmoni. Sos.: J. Pendidik. IPS

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The purpose of this research was to investigate the function of leuit and prohibition Forest based on indigenous knowledge of Urug people for combating climate change toward community resilience. The research method used an ethnographic qualitative approach. This method was related to local cultural, ritual, and traditional communities-the data collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The selection of sample as informant exert purposive sampling technique. The result is probed meticulously through triangulation technique and triangulation sources. The result shows that traditional storage (Leuit) has a role in confronting climate change and disaster and life perturbance for achieving community resilience. Another finding is Urug people create a prohibition forest. The impact is the wood can rescue from damage. The community can fight climate change, get adequate water, and environment preservation.

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“…These sites are places where the ancestors reside. For instance, Thathe Vondo forest is guarded by a white lion that protects the ancestors of the Netshidzivhe clan [3]. Entry to these sites is forbidden to all but the custodian clan; hence, such places are 'no go areas' for others because of the taboos associated with entering such spaces.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Conflict between Preserving a ‘Sacred Natural Site’ and Exploiting Nature for Commercial Gain: Evidence from Phiphidi Waterfall in South Africa

2021

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Over the years, the Phiphidi sacred natural site has been protected by traditional methods or cultural codes. However, over the past three decades, anthropogenic pressures have affected the site. This study aimed to investigate the historical uses of the Phiphidi sacred natural site and contemporary anthropogenic threats to the area, and the implications on the sustainability of the area. The data supporting this study were collected between June 2018 and May 2021, during which (i) interviews, (ii) observations and (iii) documents were used as the main techniques of data collection. Non-probabilistic purposive (also known as judgemental) sampling was used to select respondents including the custodians of the Phiphidi sacred natural site, officials working at Phiphidi Waterfall, representatives of the Dzomo La Mupo committee and local communities. The data obtained from interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis. Field observations helped in validating the data that were collected through interviews. The study showed that although the sacred site was historically a ‘no go area’ and was used to connect with ancestors and perform rituals, contemporary anthropogenic threats affecting the Phiphidi sacred site include weak property right systems and tourism infrastructure development that has led to land-use conflicts that have been driven by vested interests. The contemporary practices not only undermine the Vhavenda culture but also have negative implications for the biodiversity of the area. In addition, the current practices undermine the founding principles of the 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa; these embrace culture, religion and the country’s environmental laws. While passion to save the sacred sites by custodians and local communities is still alive, government support is weak and, as a result, there are fears that other sacred sites in the region may also be targeted for tourism purposes. Several suggestions are made that, if implemented, could help to protect the remaining sacred natural sites.

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Traditional ecological knowledge and practices for forest conservation in Thathe Vondo in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Cited by 56 publications

References 29 publications

Retrieving Intangibility to Avert Human-Driven Bio-Diversity Loss: The Case of Thathe Sacred Forest, Phiphidi Waterfalls and Lake Fundudzi, Northern South Africa

Retrieving Intangibility to Avert Human-Driven Bio-Diversity Loss: The Case of Thathe Sacred Forest, Phiphidi Waterfalls and Lake Fundudzi, Northern South Africa

Leuit and prohibition forest: Indigenous knowledge of an Urug community resilience

The Conflict between Preserving a ‘Sacred Natural Site’ and Exploiting Nature for Commercial Gain: Evidence from Phiphidi Waterfall in South Africa

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