Thread by @robertpetitpas

People & forests have been affecting each other’s ecology & survival for ages. This interaction challenges nature-culture dichotomy based conservation. Ignoring local forest ontology can reinforce inequalities and reproduce colonialism through conservation.1/6 @SCB_SSWG #SSWGTC20

Pewen & people form each other. Highly-caloric branches & seeds fuel house & body; by gathering in the forest social norms of respect & care to #pewen are transmitted; reinforcing social bonds. Forests have been shaped by seed selection/dispersion/planting/fire use. 2/6 #SSWGTC20

Pewen has protected Pewenche (people=che) from colonial expansion/hunger/cold. Pewenche protect #pewen with traditional harvest norms, fire brigades, reclaiming land, pushing env laws. Trees & people are entangled in cultural, spiritual and economic relations. 3/6 #SSWGTC20

Conservation based on nature-culture dichotomy sees #pewen forest as nonhuman relicts/living fossil/remote wild areas/threatened by humans (eg seed collectors). Protection measures reflect this; PA, scientific over local knowledge, uses prohibition. 4/6 #SSWGTC20

Pewen ontology shape Pewenche role (ie enemy or ally); related conservation actions affect livelihoods (eg seed-based econom). Neglecting local ontologies reinforce inequalities affecting indigenous comm/trigger conflicts/reproduce colonialism through conservation. 5/6 #SSWGTC20

Acknowledging (or ignoring) #pewen local ontology is politically relevant as it shapes management decisions & negotiations, and consequently, local human & non-human lives. Respecting these ontologies requires given back rights. Stakeholders→Rightholders. 6/6 #SSWGTC20 @SCB_SSWG

Thanks @SCB_SSWG #SSWGTC20 @AColleony @M_Selinske for this great event!

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