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Cultural erosion and biodiversity: canoe-making knowledge in Pohnpei, Micronesia
Berry J Brosi1, Michael J Balick, Robert Wolkow
1Institute of Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458, USA. bbrosi@stanford.edu
Summary
Traditional knowledge of canoe making is eroding across generations on Pohnpei. This loss threatens biodiversity conservation, highlighting the need for institutional intervention to preserve cultural heritage and ecological understanding.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Conservation Science
- Cultural Anthropology
Background:
- Traditional knowledge and practices are declining globally.
- Quantitative data on traditional ecological knowledge loss and its link to biodiversity conservation is scarce.
- Canoe making on Pohnpei is a culturally significant skill deeply intertwined with local plant biodiversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the erosion of traditional canoe-making knowledge on Pohnpei.
- To identify factors contributing to the loss of this traditional skill.
- To explore potential strategies for conserving traditional knowledge and its connection to biodiversity.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 180 residents of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.
- The study focused on traditional knowledge related to canoe making.
- Correlates of knowledge loss were identified, including educational background and occupation.
Main Results:
- Significant intergenerational erosion of canoe-making skills was observed.
- Current trends suggest the present generation may be the last to possess this knowledge.
- Western education levels and occupation were identified as factors associated with knowledge loss.
Conclusions:
- Urgent intervention is needed to prevent the complete loss of traditional canoe-making knowledge.
- Governments, traditional leaders, and educational institutions can play a role in skill conservation.
- Emphasizing traditional knowledge reinforces its value and supports biodiversity conservation efforts on Pohnpei.
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