Biological and Cultural Diversity

Biological and cultural diversity are highly interconnected and mutually dependent. This extends beyond the acknowledgement that humans perceive and act upon nature in distinct ways. Certain cultural practices depend upon elements of biodiversity for their expression and existence and in many cases biodiversity is developed, maintained and managed by cultural groups (Unesco, 2003). This relationship extends from the development of human belief systems and worldview to management, knowledge, norms and institutions. 

Human belief systems and worldview is shaped by relationships to the natural world. The green theory of value developed in 1992 suggests that all humans need some sense and pattern in their lives and nature provides the backdrop for this by setting human lives in larger contexts (Goodin, 1992). This is particularly relevant to the 4 500 indigenous communities, many of which are located in areas of high biodiversity (Unesco, 2003). Different faith groups also represent the different relationships human have with nature. Judaism, Christianity and Islam, all arising from the Middle East, speak of human’s ‘dominion’ over nature, whilst Buddhism and Hinduism all speak of the inter- relationships between the two factors (Dudley, 2006).

Managing nature has also shaped human culture. This may be through livelihoods, practices and resource management systems. As a result, in many cases near pristine environments are often sacred sites such as the Tabul in Papa New Guinea (Pretty, 2009). Due to the extent of population growth and migration around the globe, human manipulation of the landscape is so great scientists now debate whether we have entered a new epoch, the Anthropocene (Crutzen, 2007). 

Knowledge across the word is dynamic and shaped by the natural world. This understanding is transferred through cultural mechanisms such as stories and observations as individuals travel. Local knowledge is central to the sustainable management of resources as well as species requirements and ecosystem dynamics. Medicines generated from natural products is an excellent example of this as discussed in an early blog post. This local knowledge often results in norms and regulations such as rules on resource extraction and land use zoning. As this is highly contextual, these norms and regulations and subsequent institutions surrounding them are highly diverse.(Pretty, 2009)(Stevens, 1997). 

Sources:

Crutzen, P. et al. 2007. The  Anthropocene: are humans now overwhelming the great forces of nature?.Ambio. Vol. 36(8).pp 614-621

Dudley, N. et al.  2006. Beyond belief: Linking faiths and protected areas to support biodiversity conservation. WWF and Alliance of Religions and Conservation. Switzerland and

Manchester: Gland. 

Goodin, R.E. 1992. Green political theory. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Pretty, J. 2009. The Intersections of Biological Diversity and Cultural Diversity:

Towards Integration.Conservation and Society 7(2): 100-112. 

Stevens, S. 1997. Conservation through cultural survival: Indigenous

peoples and protected areas. Washington, DC: Island Press.

Unesco, 2003. Cultural diversity and biodiversity for sustainable development.  [pdf]. Available at: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001322/132262e.pdf [Accessed: 19.12.14].