Distribution pattern of traditional ecological knowledge on plant utilization among major minority peoples in Guizhou, China. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mao, S.; Shen, Y.; Deng, H.; Wu, G.
• Is Part Of: International journal of sustainable development and world ecology. Volume 26:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 37
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Traditional ecological knowledge -- plant utilization -- regional sustainable development -- biocultural diversity -- key informants; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Ecologie; Duurzame ontwikkeling; Ecology; Economic development -- Environmental aspects; Sustainable development; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 338.72
• DOI: 10.1080/13504509.2018.1464978
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-2627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this study, the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) on non-cultivated plant utilization by the Miao and Buyi people in Guizhou, China, was investigated using semi-structured interviews and the joint plant and use (JPU) was used as an index of TEK. In addition, the regional TEK distribution patterns were depicted. The results showed that low-frequency JPUs accounted for a large proportion of the total TEK on non-cultivated plant utilization, implying a possible TEK loss. The TEK distribution pattern is similar to the 80/20 rule, indicating that most TEK is mastered by key informants who are important for regional TEK protection and inheritance. Different informants have different JPU amounts and diversities with specific relationships, and for the characteristic ethnic TEK, medicinal JPUs generally have a low frequency, while symbolic JPUs have a higher frequency. The results could provide references for regional sustainable development and biocultural diversity management.