Léopold, M. and Herrenschmidt, J.B. and Thaman, Randolph R. (2008) The Relevance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge for Modern Management of Coral Reef Fisheries in Melanesia. [Conference Proceedings]
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Abstract
Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) has received great attention in respect to coral reef
associated fisheries as a way to adapt modern management strategies to local environmental and cultural
conditions. We analysed the social and cultural roles of TEK for resource management in traditional
Melanesian communities in New Caledonia. A multidisciplinary survey of customary marine tenure and fishing
regulations on Ouvéa, a raised limestone island in New Caledonia, was carried out in 2006. Informants from
the main chiefdoms and clans were questioned about past and present fishing activities, maritime territory
rights, taboo areas and place names, customary authority, socio-cultural practices and belief related to marine
resources, and vernacular knowledge and taxonomy of marine organisms. Results showed that customary
fishing rules were primarily related to cultural events and social organization rather than to ecological patterns
or economic interests. The relationships between TEK, population needs and uses of the environment were still
strong, but have changed since the 1860s. An unquantifiable loss of indigenous knowledge has also occurred. Nowadays, to satisfy food and economic needs, modern users often abandon TEK and behave in relation to
their own individual economic perceptions and needs. Better consideration of social and cultural aspects in
resource management issues may therefore directly help to increase awareness of resource depletion and
biodiversity loss as a basis for achieving long-term ecosystem and economic sustainability in Melanesian
islands.
| Item Type: | Conference Proceedings |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | D History General and Old World > DU Oceania (South Seas) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Geography, Earth Science and Environment |
| Depositing User: | Fulori Nainoca - Waqairagata |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Mar 2016 03:36 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Mar 2016 03:36 |
| URI: | https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/8758 |
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