Download The Usage of Local and Indigenous Knowledge in the Management

Nature Tourism, sustainability
Natural identity and spirituality
Management and
sustainable development
of national parks
2. – 4. říjen, 2015, Šumava
Martina Pásková
Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks,
Intagible Heritage, Ramsar Sites, World
Heritage Sites
World Heritage
Natural (and mixed) properties
Main objective:
Identification and conservation of natural sites of
outstanding universal value.
Number of sites: 217 (188 natural and 29 mixed)
Czech sites: 0
Area: more then 2 mil. km2 (natural and mixed
properties)
Cultural landscapes = cultural heritage!!!
Biosphere Reserves
Main objective:
Harmonized management of conservation of
biological and cultural diversity and economic and
social development based on local community
efforts and sound science.
Number of sites: 651 BR in 120 countries
Czech sites: 6
Area: nearly 600.000 km2
Biodiversity in the Czech Republic
Number of species in the Czech Republic is above
the European average:
• 577 vertebrates species
• 2.700 higher plants species
• 43 000 insect species
• 8.000 lower animals species
50% amphibian species became
extinct in the Czech Republic!
Ramsar Sites
Main objective:
The conservation and wise use of wetlands
through local and national actions and
international cooperation, as a contribution
towards achieving sustainable development
throughout the world.
Number of sites: more then 2.000
Czech sites: 13
Area: nearly 2 mil. km2
Global Geoparks
Main objective:
• Promotion of the significance and need for
protection of geological heritage through
engagement with local communities.
• Geohazards awareness and prevention.
• Local sustainable development through
geotourism.
Number of sites: 120 in 33 countries
Czech sites: 1
Area: more then 150.000 km2
Geoparks???
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Main objective:
To provide communities with a sense of identity
and continuity, while promoting creativity and
social well-being, contributing to the management
of the natural and social environment. Much of it is
called traditional or indigenous knowledge is, can
be integrated into health care, education and
management of the natural resources systems.
Number: 314 elements on the Representative List
Czech elements: 4
Local and indigenous knowledge
as a part of intagible heritage of geoparks
Special focus on knowledge and practices
concerning nature and universe:
ecological wisdom, indigenous knowledge fauna and
flora, traditional healing systems, beliefs, initiatory
rites, shamanism, cosmologies, possesion rites,
festival, ethno-medicine etc.
Local and indigenous knowledge
as a part of intagible heritage of geoparks
Why?
Philosophy and mission of biosphere reserves and geoparks
based in Man - Earth relationship …
Madre Tierra position in the life and cosmology of local
indigenous people ...
Presumption:
The stronger focus on Man - Earth relationship in biosphere
reserves and geoparks should produce stronger level of
indigenous knowledge usage and tourism sustainability.
The Canyon of the Coco River
Indigenous peoples
Indigenous
life style
Indigenous
women
elaborating
baskets from pine needles
Leader of the Chorotega
Indigenous, San Lucas
Dominga Perez - the first Chorotega leader
„Hay que involucrar las personas y que sepan como es sostener
la tierra, que tengan amor a la tierra y que en futuro den
seguimiento los jóvenes.
El aprecio vendría de los que aman la tierra, porque no todos los
indígenas aman la tierra, algunos la ocupan como mercancía.
Que el Geoparque sea sostenible y haya conciencia.“
„La red de mujeres es la que más responde y los varones
ancianos son los que más responden ante el tema del medio
ambiente.
Ellos pueden enseñar como diversificar la producción y sostener
la tierra y las técnicas para las tierras erosionadas y
empobrecidas como enriquecerlas.“
„El Geoparque va a dar desarrollo sostenible para el territorio y
estar pegado a las prácticas de cosmovisión que enseñaron
nuestros abuelos.“
Indigenous, San Lucas
wellcoming rite
San Lucas - indigenous life
Totogalpa village
Jícaras
workshop
Totogalpa - indigenous La luna rite
Telpaneca indigenous people
Key elements
of indigenous knowledge
• „Madre Tierra“ as a base of the life, relation to the
Earth and its ecosystem services
• Sacred geosites, precolombian petroglyphs, border
stones and related indigenous legends
• Cosmology and related rites used in agriculture and
medicine
• Medicinal plants and fruits
• Indigenous ceramics, pine and palm handicrafts
• Indigenous cuisine based on corn and beans
• Importance of Elders
• Community (colective) approach
Strategic points of indigenous people
for geopark and geotourism sustainability
 Capacity and sensibility building for indigenous
identity reactivation and using of their knowledge
 Respecting of carrying capacity of the Earth
 Indigenous lifestyle, cosmology, rites
 Indigenous cuisine and medicinal plants
 Small groups of visitiors with indigenous guides
 Using of natural forms and materials
 Using the Councils of Elders for decision making
Conclusions
The involvement of the indigenous knowledge, skills,
life style and traditions in the aspiring Rio Coco
Geopark management and its emerging geotourism
would positively impact:
• indigenous people identity
• indigenous knowledge, its documentation,
transmition and usage
• sustainability and attractiveness of Río Coco
Geopark.
It is expected, that the results of the case study will
indicate some basis for the design of theory in this
new field of study.
Thanks for your attention!