Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Practices: A Strategy to Understanding Conservation of a Heritage Site
Regina Buminaang-Mendoza
Discipline: Cultural Studies
Abstract:
Studies on the preservation of Living Cultural
Heritage Sites worldwide have made a strong case for the role of
Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Practices in preparing for,
coping with, and resolving issues and problems related to
conservation and sustainability of a Heritage Site. This paper
describes the ecological knowledge and practices among the
Ifugaos in Banaue, Philippines. Based on data gathered from key
informants, the study revealed a strong nexus among the human,
non-human, and the supernatural in the cultural landscape. This
interconnectivity is manifested in the rich cultural tradition of
the Ifugaos. The interviews demonstrate a very high respect for
their land, environment and their natural resource. They
acknowledge the power of nature and culture in shaping their
lives but not leaving their destiny on them. They make
negotiations by performing rituals and follow the signs and
threats of nature. This research provides an analysis to
comprehend the complexities and interplay between nature and
culture. Consequently, this paper contributes to the
understanding of how world heritage sites are to be managed and
restored in the cultural and current social context.
References:
- Andres, Tomas D., 2004. Understanding the Ifugao Values. Quezon City: Giraffe Books p.6, 10, 11.
- Berkes, Fikret. 1998. Sacred Ecology: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Resource Management. Philadelphia: Braun-Brumfield, Annn Harbor, MI. Copyright by Taylor and Francis, 1999 USA.
- Berkes, F., Folke, C., Colding, J. (eds.). 1998. Linking Social and Ecological Systems: Management Practices and social mechanisms for building resilience. Cambrige University Press, p. 306
- Berkes, Fikret; Colding, Johan; Folke, Carl. Rediscovery of Traditional Ecological Knowledge as Adaptive Management. Ecological Applications, Vol. 10, No.5, (October, 2000), p.1255.
- Cajete, Gregory. 2004. Philosophy of Native Science. In Anne Waters (ed.), American Indian Thought. Malden (MA): Blackwell, pp.45-57.
- Conklin, Harold C. 1980. Ethnographic Atlas of Ifugao: A Study of Environment, Culture, and Society in Northern Luzon. New Haven and London: Yale University Press.
- Diduck, Alan. 2004. Resource and Environmental Management in Canada: Addressing Conflict and Uncertainty (3rd Ed.), Mitchell, Bruce (ed.). Canada: Oxford University Press, P. 502.
- Gonzalez, Rhodora. Adaptive Management: From Theory to Practice. James Oglethorpe (ed.), June 2001, p.v.
- Guimbatan Rachel and Baguilat Teodoro, Jr. “Misunderstanding the Notion of Conservation in the Philippine Rice Terraces-Cultural Landscape.” International Social Science Journal. 2006. Online. Available: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1468- 2451.2006.00606.x?prevSearch=authorsfield%3A%28Baguilat%2Cteddy%25 (23 Nov.2007).
- Hughes Donald J. 1975. Ecology in Ancient Civilizations. Albuquerque: University of Mexico Press, p.147, 23, 24,154,152, 155.
- Huntington, Henry. Ecological Applications, Vol. 10, No.5, 2000,p. 1273.
- Risiro, J. , Tshuma,D. Basikit, A. (2013) . Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Environmental Management: A Case Study of Zaka District, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development January 2013, Vol. 2.
- Sillitoe, Paul; Bicker, Alans; and Pottier, Johan (eds.). 2002. Participating in Development: Approached to Indigenous Knowledge. London: Routledge, p. 91-92.
- Sillitoe, Paul (ed). 2007. Local Science vs. Global Science: Approaches to Indigenous Knowledge in International Development. New York: Berghahn Books, p.1.
- Turner, Nancy. Ecological Applications, Vol.10, no. 5, 2000, p.1251, 1276.
- West, Paige, 2006. Conservation is Our Government Now: The Politics of Ecology in Papua New Guinea. Durham and London: Duke University Press, p183.
Philippine E-Journals
