CULTURAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS IN THE CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY

Abstract

Many countries have ratified the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, andconsiderable efforts have been made to apply it, at least in the field of policyreforms. Many practical examples drawn from across the world show thatconservation has been an integral part of the resource use and survival systemsofindigenous communities. 111 Sri Lanka. patterns offorest resource use havebeen differentiated not only in relation to the local people's links with theavailable biological resources; but also as a result of cultural and socioeconomicdecisions. The survival strategies of indigenous forest-fringecommunities are related to the plant life both of natural forests and ofnon-forestproduction systems. Spiritual rituals. food habits and medicinal practices havefavoured the conservation of biodiversity. Various aspects (If indigenous ethicshave also given strong support to conservation. Field studies conducted inRitigala Strict Natural Reserve suggest that local knowledge of the diversity ofthe ecosystem is vet:v complex, and that it provides a basis for futureconservation strategies. Unless indigenous cultures. knowledge and livelihoodsystems are respected and recognized. the practical link between survival andconservation will he lost along with a wealth of in/ormation.