symbiosis
forest
in
with the
For some peoples, the tropical
rainforests are not simply spaces
for production and resources,
but also places steeped in cultural
values and stamped with spirituality.
These qualities sometimes
contribute to the conservation
of these environments.
Sacred forests are found the world over.
They are the abodes of Gods or Ancestors to
which people assign a protective role over
their community or village, even over the
natural world. Restrictions are imposed which favour
the total or partial preservation of vegetation cover and
biodiversity.
In some communities, trees are spared from
clearcutting for their food or medicinal resources,
soil fertilisation and their role as shelter for animals.
Such practices require a refined knowledge of the
environment and the different tree species, and
therefore a long learning period.
For the Mentawai
of the island
of Siberut,
off Sumatra, spirits
inhabit the forest.
Anything taken
from this environment
must be given back
to maintain a balance.
Sacred forests
The Kaya forests of Kenya are considered sacred
by the Mijikenda. This people practices sustainable
management of wood by means of strong restrictions on
felling in some zones. This sanctuarisation explains the great
ecological richness of the Kaya forests, where many species
of birds and butterflies have been identified.
With their great
knowledge about
their environment
and their close relationship
with nature
these ethnic groups
are considered
as sentinels of the
environment.
The trees spared
by the Ntumu,
in Cameroon, are called
orphan trees.
They provide shade
for crops, among
other benefits.
Did you know? The peoples of the tropical
rainforests have immense knowledge of the medicinal
virtues of certain plants. The Wayãpi Indians in the
Amazon use the sap they extract from the stems of this
Passiflora, passion flower, as eye drops to treat conjunctivitis •
Protecting the forest
can only be achieved
consultation
in
with local communities
13
MINISTÈRE
DES
AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES
ET EUROPÉENNES
FTH/en - 2011