Aboriginal forestry: development of a socioecologically relevant moose habitat management process using local Cree and scientific knowledge in Eeyou Istchee
Sustainable management of natural ecosystems requires adequate participation of Aboriginal people. This especially includes the joint use of local ecological and scientific knowledge to document natural processes and develop management guidelines. Despite increasing recognition of this principle, en...
| Published in: | Canadian Journal of Forest Research |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
2012
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/x2012-020 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/full-xml/10.1139/x2012-020 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/x2012-020 |
| Summary: | Sustainable management of natural ecosystems requires adequate participation of Aboriginal people. This especially includes the joint use of local ecological and scientific knowledge to document natural processes and develop management guidelines. Despite increasing recognition of this principle, endorsed by the international community and several Aboriginal nations, there are very few genuine cases that show significant progress in this discipline. This case is similar in North American forestry where several initiatives have documented Aboriginal land use without ever significantly recognizing local knowledge in the development of forest management guidelines. In the search for innovative solutions on this topic, the Waswanipi Cree Model Forest developed a governance tool that allows Cree land users to translate their needs into management plans. We collaborated on this initiative by developing and testing a participatory approach, allowing the development of moose ( Alces alces L.) habitat management guidelines, better adapted to the socioecological context of the Cree. This innovative approach increases mutual understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal managers and favours the social acceptability of the guidelines while contributing to a more sustainable management of this northern and fragile ecosystem. This study will influence stakeholders striving to improve collaborative ecosystem management with Aboriginal people. |
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