Background/Objectives

Effective management of forest and ecosystem implies the participation of sustainable livelihoods to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gas and preserve local habitats. Preservation of forest and healthy ecosystems are necessary for resilient communities. But some conflict in the use of natural resources could occur between local communities, local governments, and other actors in the supply chain. An integrated approach to climate change, biodiversity, reforestation and capacity building is important for sustainability.  In this study we will discuss two case studies that demonstrate innovative ways of engaging with local communities to mitigate climate changes and increase biodiversity. These are the case of Vodun’s role in forest preservation in Benin and peacebuilding through indigenous storytelling in Mali. 

Approach/Activities

In this research, we will discuss two case studies that demonstrate innovative ways of engaging with local communities to mitigate climate changes and increase biodiversity. These are the case of Vodun’s role in forest preservation in Benin and peacebuilding through indigenous storytelling in Mali. 

Results/Lessons Learned

The results capture the conservation perception of different actors who represent some of the strategies and worldviews of respecting biodiversity and a sacred forest conservation. The results answered the research questions:

• What are the conflictive worldviews that influence the protection of biodiversity and sacred forest in Benin?
• What factors contributed to, or inhibited efforts to restore and maintain a sacred forest in Benin?
• What are some strategies taken to balance biodiversity and food security?
• How can we take inclusive and holistic approaches to preserve biodiversity under climate change?

The results focus on the meaning of sacred forest, natural resources, contradictory perceptions from different actors overlapping and culture in the context of two different approaches to biodiversity, one in Benin and the other one in Mali. We understand “biodiversity perception” as a process of individuals and communal worldviews. By elucidating the factors influencing “biodiversity perception,” we attempt to accomplish the following: First, we provide different perspective and strategies on the meaning of biodiversity, and secondly, we contribute to the development of align local communities with biodiversity and integrate their traditional ecological knowledge, taboos, and other bottom up strategies to adaptive function of resilience.