Exploring Indigenous and local knowledge systems in estuarine management
- Authors: Nonyane, Chilo Loyolah
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Estuaries , Indigenous Knowledge Systems Programme (South Africa) , Indigenous peoples -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73436 , vital:79440
- Description: This study explores the Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems (ILKS) within the Sundays River Estuary (SRE) and how these knowledge systems play vital roles in estuarine management in South Africa. ILKSs are neglected, and much of this knowledge has yet to be identified or has been undervalued. Despite acknowledging different knowledge systems and stakeholders, there is little to no integration of ILKS in current estuary management in South Africa. Communities living around estuaries are excluded from decision-making and natural resource management, focusing mostly on ecological studies, sustainability, and conservation. There is, however, a growing recognition of the importance of incorporating ILKS alongside scientific knowledge, which is crucial to enhancing our understanding and decision-making processes in complex socioecological systems. This study uses social justice and transformative research paradigms to bridge this gap by exploring ILKS in the SRE, focusing on culturally significant areas through participatory community mapping (PCM) and transect walks/walking journeys. Through participatory methods, coresearchers involved in this study (Colchester and Cannonville communities) have the platform to define their significance (cultural values) and share culturally significant areas in the SRE area. This study highlights overlapping uses of the SRE for spiritual and cultural needs, recreation, livelihoods, learning and nature conservation. These diverse uses highlight the need for more inclusive management frameworks that encourage co-management with ILK holders to support sustainable estuarine management practices. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
Old man with glasses holding a baby
- Subjects: Indigenous peoples -- South Africa
- Type: Image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/22753 , vital:23065 , This image is held at the Cory Library for Humanities Research at Rhodes University. For further information contact cory@ru.ac.za. The digitisation of this image was made possible through a generous grant received from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation 2014-2017. , PIC/M 5162
- Description: A photograph of an old man standing outside the house wearing glasses, holding a baby
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