5. Biodiversity, climate change, and cultural
diversity, Alain Cuerrier, Jardin Botanique de Montréal
Photo : Alain Cuerrier |
Most people, researchers and laymen alike, view biodiversity in
terms of biology without giving due consideration to First Nations
and their cultural components. More and more publications and studies
acknowledge the importance of putting culture in the biodiversity
equation. But the merging of scientific and traditional knowledge
is still far from equal. The balance shifts inexorably towards science
which then reduces tradition to a mere quotation of good will. In
the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), cultural diversity has also
been established as an important role (see Art. 8j). Not only are
rare, endangered or vulnerable species to be protected but so are
medicinal species and, moreover, species used in ritual or those
who have simply a local, social importance. In order to protect
any taxon, it is essential to make use of all available data. How
many biologists today can truthfully say that they have consulted
local people, whether indigenous or not? How many reserves, parks,
and protected areas have been established with the help of indigenous
and local people? It is still quite surprising to hear First Nations
people listing organisations such as the WWF and the IUCN among
their potential enemies. How would you feel if an organisation declared
your backyard a nature reserve in which your seasonal activities
are suspended? Of course, we learn from our mistakes and both international
organisations cited above have now incorporated an indigenous aspect
to their mandate.
First Nations possess a long history of respecting Nature. When
asked about the population of beavers or belugas in a determined
area, Inuit may well estimate a closer number than researchers using
scientific methodology. Now, with climate change being one of today’s
most imminent threats, the use of accurate data based upon all possible
knowledge should permeate our work. Integrating Inuit knowledge
in addressing climate change may lead to a better understanding
of the multiple impacts it will have on the arctic environment.
It can help to focus our attention on precise problems pinpointed
by the native communities. Indeed, Inuit have voiced that a month
was missing in their calendar due to global warming. They are also
aware of new birds and insects migrating to their land, animals
not seen before and for which they have no words in Inuktitut. Vegetation
changes (composition and pattern of shrub/tree distribution), animal
behaviour, distribution, and demography and ice and water movement
can be addressed starting with traditional ecological knowledge.
This is not only a case of humility but also of common sense. There
is a future for science and tradition to walk hand in hand. Let’s
use both. After all, aren’t we all part of Nature through
our biological essence and our cultural identity? With little time
left to grasp climate change, its impact on biodiversity (and cultural
diversity!) and to postpone the unforeseen to maintain earth as
a living space, it is only logical to work together with the local
people living in the Arctic who are at the forefront of actual changes.
Two heads are better than one. Biodiversity is also diversity of
opinions. It’s a richness… and an enjoyable one!
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