Sammanfattning

Along with landscape degradation and loss of biodiversity there is also a co-occurring loss of cultural and linguistic diversity. When species become rare, there is a corresponding loss of cultural practices and linguistic elements associated with that species. Although cultural assessments of tree species can help in identifying Cultural Keystone Species (CKS) and be used to enhance the cultural relevance of conservation actions, such information is typically lacking for endangered species were the cultural connections may have been lost. Here, we review historic written accounts to assess the cultural status of the critically endangered camphor tree, Dryobalanops aromatica, native to Southeast Asia which is recognized for its camphor and crystals forming in the wood. We found that despite centuries of use, the importance of the tree for specific cultures has not been fully understood. Published literature indicate that it could be a CKS to multiple communities. The tree was once culturally significant for many cultures in its native range and beyond, but contemporary data is lacking, especially with respect to persistence and memory of use in relation to cultural change. By virtue of being a culturally recognized tree species, as well as having a distinct ecological role within its natural distribution, we propose D. aromatica as a flagship species for conservation and restoration of the habitat it defines. Our review highlights the usability of historic accounts as starting points for identifying CKS and effective conservation of biocultural diversity, especially concerning endangered species. We propose that future research should pay attention to inter and intra-community dynamics of local knowledge on the species, and causes and consequences of varying cultural importance across temporal and spatial scales

Nyckelord

Biocultural diversity; Reforestation; Human-nature; Kapur; Local knowledge; Sumatra

Publicerad i

Trees, Forests and People
2023, Volym: 13, artikelnummer: 100416

SLU författare

• Axelsson, Petter

  • Institutionen för vilt, fisk och miljö, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

Globala målen

SDG15 Skydda, återställa och främja ett hållbart nyttjande av landbaserade ekosystem, hållbart bruka skogar, bekämpa ökenspridning, hejda och vrida tillbaka markförstöringen samt hejda förlusten av biologisk mångfald


UKÄ forskningsämne

Kulturstudier
Ekologi


Publikationens identifierare

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2023.100416

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/127228