Efforts of Indigenous Knowledge in Forest and Wildlife Conservation: A Case Study on Bulang People in Mangba Village in Yunnan Province, China

A study on the Bulang people of Mangba Village, Yunnan Province, China, reveals that indigenous knowledge effectively sustains forest and wildlife conservation through moral constraints, public opinion, and rituals, even without formal enforcement. The community's protection system, centered around banyan trees and the Derbyan Parakeet, relies on oral traditions and nature worship, reflecting a deep cultural relationship with the ecosystem. However, the study highlights a critical gap: while indigenous practices like artificial bird feeding preserve species, they may deviate from scientifically sound ecological principles, risking ecosystem destabilization. The research underscores the need for integrating scientific knowledge to refine traditional methods, ensuring both biodiversity protection and the preservation of cultural heritage. This case study offers insights into balancing indigenous wisdom with modern conservation strategies in UNESCO-listed protected areas.

Su, K., Ren, J., Qin, Y., Hou, Y., & Wen, Y. (2020). Efforts of Indigenous Knowledge in Forest and Wildlife Conservation: A Case Study on Bulang People in Mangba Village in Yunnan Province, China. Forests, 11(11), 1178. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11111178