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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

RoundTable

Traditional peoples' ecological knowledge amid environmental crisis and conservation policies.

moderators

    Tribute Jabulile Mboweni

    Nationality: South Africa

    Residence: South Africa

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

    Jade Alcântara Lôbo

    Nationality: Brazil

    Residence: Brazil

    Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

discussants

    Tribute Jabulile Mboweni

    Nationality: South Africa

    Residence: South Africa

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

    Nathalia Dothling Reis

    Nationality: Brazil

    Residence: Australia

    University of Queensland

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

    Jade Alcântara Lôbo

    Nationality: Brazil

    Residence: Brazil

    Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

Keywords:

Environmental crisis; Traditional people; Anthropocene; Conservation; Disaster.

Abstract:

This roundtable aims to reforest our knowledge about the impact of environmental crisis and conservation policies on the rights of traditional peoples in the Anthropocene era. Characterized by significant human influence on Earth's geology and ecosystems, the Anthropocene has led to profound physical and metaphysical changes. This session presents environmental dilemmas as processes affecting both the physical and metaphysical realms, where non-humans and more-than-human beings coexist with humans within the cosmos. As we navigate through the Anthropocene, human activities have caused substantial disruptions, leading to a significant cosmic imbalance. Traditional peoples from various parts of the world possess unique cosmopolitical perspectives that recognize the interconnectedness of all life forms within this space-time continuum. These perspectives are crucial in understanding and addressing the multifaceted impacts of environmental issues. In this context, we not only recognize the existence of the Anthropocene but also an unseen "Anthropo-not-seen," as proposed by anthropologist Marisol de la Cadena. This concept highlights those who are often marginalized by universalist white perspectives. These groups engage in biointeractions with all beings, rejecting the separation between humans and non-humans. Traditional peoples across the globe fight for the right to exist symbiotically with the cosmos and nature, and they are among the primary targets of the environmental crisis. They face harsh realities worldwide, such as devastating floods, impacts of disasters, dispossession, conflicts with conservation areas, gentrification, and inhabiting areas with infertile soil or high-risk locations prone to landslides. These communities are on the frontlines of the environmental crisis, experiencing its most severe consequences. This roundtable will feature representatives from traditional communities across the globe, including intellectuals and leaders from South Africa and Brazil. Participants will share insights on cosmopolitics, and ecological practices used to defend the cosmos, discussing the challenges and solutions in their ongoing struggle for environmental and cultural preservation.