Operationalizing the Biocultural Perspective in Conservation Practice: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Keywords: biocultural; conservation; Indigenous Peoples
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 02:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 03:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 62

Abstract

The term ‘biocultural’ brings together the words ‘biological’ and ‘cultural’ to emphasize the interconnected nature of life and human culture. Despite growing use of the term in policy, academia and Indigenous advocacy circles, biological and cultural diversity continue to show an alarming downward trend. We ask whether this is due, in part, to a lack of emphasis on the application of biocultural perspectives in academic discussion around the term. Consequently, in this systematic review of the literature we explore the use of the term ‘biocultural’ to assess its direct implications for the practice of environmental conservation. We conclude with two central findings. Firstly, we find that the biocultural perspective emerged as, and cannot be separated from, an advocacy position that recognizes the self-determination and authority of Indigenous Peoples in matters pertaining to environmental conservation in their traditional territories. Our findings demonstrate that the term ‘biocultural’ maintains its roots in action to support Indigenous authority in environmental matters, and continues to be used most often in connection to Indigenous Peoples rights – 68% of papers included in this systematic literature review focused on the biocultural approach in relation to Indigenous Peoples. Secondly, we find that current conversations in the academic literature around the biocultural concept remain largely conceptual in nature. This paper concludes by offering several promising avenues by which the biocultural perspective and term promises to protect both biological and cultural well-being, thus building a bridge to address the identified gap between conceptual discussions and practice.