Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Cultural awareness saves South African wetlands
Forget legislation, in South Africa the key to persevering wetlands is cultural knowledge. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is working with private and educational groups to create a belief system based on cultures dating to ancient times.
By connecting residents to the basket weaving culture, for example, they are learning the differences between the tall grasses. Grass at first may all look the same, yet some varieties are good for basket weaving while other varieties provide excellent roofing material. Each has a specific season, as part of ancestral teaching, that has naturally protected the wetlands from extinction.
They have also reinforced ancient beliefs on hunting and eating crocodiles, maintaining fish stocks, and water pollution.
One such ancient belief is that urinating in the water would immediately cause you to become a member of the opposite sex. Okay, it seems far fetched, but wouldn’t you think twice before doing so?
Forget legislation, in South Africa the key to persevering wetlands is cultural knowledge. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is working with private and educational groups to create a belief system based on cultures dating to ancient times.By connecting residents to the basket weaving culture, for example, they are learning the differences between the tall grasses. Grass at first may all look the same, yet some varieties are good for basket weaving while other varieties provide excellent roofing material. Each has a specific season, as part of ancestral teaching, that has naturally protected the wetlands from extinction.
They have also reinforced ancient beliefs on hunting and eating crocodiles, maintaining fish stocks, and water pollution.
One such ancient belief is that urinating in the water would immediately cause you to become a member of the opposite sex. Okay, it seems far fetched, but wouldn’t you think twice before doing so?
Labels: Regional
¶ 1/29/2008
