Medicinal plant use in Vanuatu: A comparative ethnobotanical study of three islands

Bradacs, Gesine; Heilmann, Jörg; Weckerle, Caroline S.

doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.05.050

Cited by 61 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 29 publications

(27 reference statements)

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“…Land ownership is largely vested with local people, and resource management often relies on customary, IEK-based, techniques (Hickey 2006). Indigenous knowledge and practice also underpin other dimensions of daily life: most people speak at least one vernacular language (of which there are more than 100 [Lynch and Crowley 2001]), participate in traditional ceremony and dance for important events (Regenvanu 2005), use ethnomedical knowledge for health care (Bradacs et al 2011), and rely on networks of kin and clan that are regulated through tradition (Huffman 2013). This complex of lived knowledge, praxis, and social institutions is locally referred to as "kastom" (Tonkinson 1982, Bolton 2003.…”

Section: Case Studies: Maintenance Of Iek In the Republic Of Vanuatu mentioning

confidence: 99%

The challenges of maintaining indigenous ecological knowledge

McCarter¹,

Gavin²,

Baereleo³

et al. 2014

E&S

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ABSTRACT. Increased interest in indigenous ecological knowledge (IEK) has led to concern that it is vulnerable amidst social and ecological change. In response, multiple authors have recommended the establishment of programs for the maintenance and revitalization of IEK systems. However, few studies have analyzed the methods, opportunities, and challenges of these programs. This is a critical gap, as IEK maintenance is challenging and will require layered and evidence-based solutions. We seek to build a foundation for future approaches to IEK maintenance. First, we present a systematic literature review of IEK maintenance programs (n = 39) and discuss the opportunities and challenges inherent in five broad groups of published approaches. Second, we use two case studies from the Republic of Vanuatu to illustrate these challenges in more depth. The first case study takes a community-based approach, which has inherent strengths (e.g., localized organization). It has, however, faced practical (e.g., funding) and epistemological (changing modes of knowledge transmission) challenges. The second case study seeks to facilitate IEK transmission within the formal school system. Although this model has potential, it has faced significant challenges (e.g., lack of institutional linkages). We conclude that supporting and strengthening IEK is important but that serious attention is needed to account for the social, situated, and dynamic nature of IEK. In closing, we use the review and case studies to propose four principles that may guide adaptive and flexible approaches for the future maintenance of IEK systems.

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Section: Case Studies: Maintenance Of Iek In the Republic Of Vanuatu mentioning

confidence: 99%

The challenges of maintaining indigenous ecological knowledge

McCarter¹,

Gavin²,

Baereleo³

et al. 2014

E&S

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show abstract

“…Because TEK is a nested body of knowledge, practice and belief (cf., Berkes 2012), this is likely to have changed the nature of the knowledge itself. However, medicinal plant knowledge was perceived to have remained relatively constant over time, reflecting the relative ubiquity of ethnomedical knowledge in the focus communities and across Vanuatu (cf., Bradacs et al 2011). This corroborates evidence suggesting that ethnomedical knowledge often remains highly salient in rural communities, even amid widespread social and ecological change (Zarger and Stepp 2004).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Land on the 80 odd islands is predominantly held under customary ownership and is managed using traditional techniques (such as spatial and temporal refugia), founded on TEK of terrestrial and marine environments (Hickey 2006). As such, TEK is critically important throughout Vanuatu: it forms the basis for conservation actions to manage threatened species (e.g., Trochus nilticus; Hickey 2006), encapsulates a large body of ethnomedical practice (Bradacs et al 2011), and provides a basis for social wellbeing (VNSO 2012).…”

Section: Location and Study Sitesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Local Perceptions of Changes in Traditional Ecological Knowledge: A Case Study from Malekula Island, Vanuatu

McCarter

Gavin

2013

AMBIO

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Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is a critical global resource that may be eroding amid social and environmental change. Here, we present data on local perceptions of TEK change from three communities on Malekula Island in Vanuatu. Utilizing a structured interview (n = 120), we find a common perception of TEK loss. Participants defined two key periods of TEK erosion (roughly 1940-1960 and 1980-present), and noted that TEK decline was driven both external (e.g., church) and internal (e.g., shifting values) processes. Erosion was perceived to more comprehensive in the worldview domain than in aspects of ethnobiological knowledge and practice. These data indicate the perceived fragility of TEK systems and the complexity of TEK change. TEK systems are critical to natural resource management, and data such as these will assist in designing nuanced responses to the ongoing loss of cultural knowledge and practice.

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“…On Aneityum, it is applied to wounds (Bradacs 2008:75). Breadfruit tree shoots mixed with Macaranga dioica (navenu) are used to treat headaches and migraines (Bradacs et al 2011). …”

Section: Other Usesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethnobotany of Breadfruit in Vanuatu: Review and Prospects

Labouisse

2016

EBL

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Breadfruit is a traditional staple crop and an important component of Pacific Island agrosystems. This article reviews documentation related to breadfruit in Vanuatu with a focus on ethnobotanical data recorded from the first contacts with European voyagers and missionaries to the most recent survey conducted on several islands in 2009. Tree management practices, food and non-food uses, conservation techniques, as well as ritual magic intended to increase yields and protect the crop, are described. A database of 539 cultivar names has been compiled. Some lines for future research within the social and biological sciences are proposed.

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Medicinal plant use in Vanuatu: A comparative ethnobotanical study of three islands

Cited by 61 publications

References 29 publications

The challenges of maintaining indigenous ecological knowledge

The challenges of maintaining indigenous ecological knowledge

Local Perceptions of Changes in Traditional Ecological Knowledge: A Case Study from Malekula Island, Vanuatu

Ethnobotany of Breadfruit in Vanuatu: Review and Prospects

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