Paper Biocultural Diversity

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An overview of cultural and spiritual values in ecosystem management and conservation strategies.

By: Bas Verschuuren

Foundation for Sustainable Development, The Netherlands.

www.fsd.nl

This paper has been made possible through collaboration with IUCN and support of the Alcoa Foundation's Conservation & Sustainability Fellowship Program.

01-11-2006 [Version 3]

Key words: ecosystem management, conservation strategies, cultural values, spiritual values, perception, participatory approach, indicators, Sacred Natural Sites, Protected Areas,

I am related

In a universe

Bigger Than

my mind…

I travel

Both earth and heaven

Trails

Lost in reference

To other lives

To other stars and songs

Of other constellations

By; Tauhindali (Wintu Poet)[1]

[1] “Mythology helps keep the balance spirit and body, and gives direction to Wintu life. It paints a philosophical portrait for those beings- human, animal and spiritual – which inhabit the earth, providing an ongoing process and meaning to life. Mythology is intricately entwined with the environment. Features of nature are imbued with various powers and levels of sacred importance. Wintu people understand their own humanity in relation to the perception of this universe” (Theadoratus D, and LaPena, F 1998).