Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Seasonal Calendars in the Context of Climate Change: A Case Study from China

Abstract

A seasonal calendar, based on traditional knowledge of ecological indicators, seasonal variations and associated activities, can provide a baseline for understanding the practices of indigenous along with climatic variation. This paper investigates the ethno-ecological knowledge of indigenous people in Taxkorgan regarding the use of ecological cues to conduct seasonal activities that harmonize with climatic variations. Meteorological data from the nearest station was used to understand climatic variations and develop indices. The results revealed that indigenous elders still adopt traditional methods to decide the time of various annual activities observing and using seasonal cues, such as the height and color of grass, the arriving of migratory birds and phenological observations. Moreover, same or diverse indicators were used at settlements located in different elevations. The analysis revealed that the region was recently getting warmer and wetter compared to previous decades, and local perceptions were matched with climatic recordings. Local inhabitants already practiced earlier plantation of crops (e.g., wheat) in recent years. Climatic indices calculated revealed and validated recent weather condition can support earlier plantation of crops. Hence, the strong forecasting system using meteorological evidence to support existing local knowledge on ecological indicators and adjust seasonal calendars can improve indigenous people’s abilities to cope with climate risks. Furthermore, this can support in developing adaptation schemes that respond to community needs. The approaches and findings can be used to facilitate the management of these natural resource based on the adaptive framework and to create data that can be tested in subsequent studies.

Indigenous Knowledge and Seasonal Calendar Inform Adaptive Savanna Burning in Northern Australia

“…Indigenous seasonal calendars from around the world have illustrated how Indigenous knowledge and connection to country provide a deep and intimate understanding of the landscape [11,[39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55]. The Yugul Mangi Faiya En Sisen Kelenda adds to this growing collection, and aims to improve the evolving fire management practices of Indigenous land managers, while also providing an effective communication tool to increase awareness of Indigenous savanna burning.…”

“…Indigenous seasonal calendars have been used in the monitoring and adaptive management of natural resources, agricultural systems [42][43][44][45][46], climate change [47][48][49], water [50] and fire regimes [11], and to guide eco-health decision making [51]. In Australia, many Indigenous seasonal calendars have been developed, based on phenological observations of local environments, and are often linked to practices such as harvesting of traditional resources and fire management [52,53].…”

Global Challenges and Responses: Agriculture, Economic Globalization, and Environmental Sustainability in Central Asia

“…As evidence, the Central Asian region has recently been warmer and wetter than a decade ago. Thus, people in the area have begun cultivating crops (such as wheat) earlier in recent years [14].…”

A Systematic Review on the Local Wisdom of Indigenous People in Nature Conservation

“…The indigenous people's nomadic way of life has resulted in the development of weather forecasting wisdom. They must forecast the weather in order to plan and strategize their travel and farming routines [89]. Some indigenous people are wise in observing cloud formation as well as wind direction and strength.…”