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Integrating Spirituality, Nature Connectedness and Traditional Beliefs for Holistic Mangrove Conservation in Casamance, Senegal

par Truyts, François
Promoteur Dahdouh-Guebas, Farid
Co-Promoteur Diouf Goudiaby, Khady;Goudiaby, A
Publication Non publié, 2024-08-29

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Résumé :

This research investigates the interplay between traditional beliefs, spirituality, and conservation practices among the Diola community inthe mangrove ecosystems of Casamance, Senegal. Through a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitativeanalysis, the study reveals the significant influence of indigenous spiritual frameworks on environmental stewardship. Traditional practices,such as the reverence for totem animals and the observance of sacred sites, are shown to contribute effectively to biodiversity conservation.The quantitative findings indicate a strong correlation between adherence to these traditions and positive conservation behaviors,suggesting that integrating indigenous knowledge into contemporary conservation strategies can enhance ecological sustainability. Thestudy also engages with philosophical perspectives on subject-object dualism, to emphasize how indigenous worldviews that see humansand nature as deeply intertwined offer valuable insights for conservation. The research also highlights the challenges posed by moderninfluences, which threaten the erosion of traditional knowledge, and critiques the limitations of conventional conservation models that oftenoverlook the cultural and spiritual dimensions of ecosystem management. By advocating for a social-ecological systems approach thatembraces value pluralism and recognizes the importance of spiritual and cultural practices, this research offers a pathway towards moreinclusive, resilient, and ethically sound conservation efforts.