Exploring Ethnoecology: The Three Components of the Ethnoecological Framework
Human-Environment relationships are like river systems. Varied, changeable, unpredictable and complex.
Ethnoecology, a field at the intersection of anthropology and ecology, offers a unique lens through which we can understand human-environment interactions. At its core, ethnoecology examines how different cultures perceive, use, and manage their natural surroundings. Whilst these might include cultures separated by geography, they also include cultures overlapping and engaging within the same area and in both rural and urban environments. Central to this field is the ethnoecological framework, which comprises three interconnected components: Kosmos, Corpus, and Praxis.
1. Kosmos (Worldview)
The term "Kosmos" originates from the Greek word for "world" or "universe." In the ethnoecological context, Kosmos refers to the belief system or worldview that guides a community's relationship with the natural environment. It encompasses cultural values, spiritual beliefs, and traditional knowledge systems that shape perceptions of nature.
Kosmos influences how communities perceive the interconnectedness of all living beings, the cycles of nature, and the sacredness of certain landscapes. This worldview often serves as the foundation for natural resource management practices within a community.
2. Corpus (Knowledge)
"Corpus" finds its roots in Latin, meaning "body" or "collection." In ethnoecology, Corpus represents the body of knowledge that underlies the appropriation and understanding of the natural environment by a community. This includes traditional ecological knowledge passed down through generations, such as plant uses, animal behavior observations, and ecosystem dynamics.
Corpus encompasses the practical knowledge and skills necessary for survival and sustainable resource management. It is the repository of wisdom that informs decision-making processes related to hunting, fishing, agriculture, and medicinal plant use.
3. Praxis (Practice)
Derived from the Greek word for "action" or "doing," Praxis signifies the actual practice of natural resource management within a community. It reflects the application of Kosmos beliefs and Corpus knowledge in everyday life, shaping how people interact with the more-than-human world.
Praxis involves the tangible actions and behaviors of individuals and communities towards the environment. This includes farming techniques, fishing practices, land-use planning, and conservation efforts rooted in cultural traditions and ecological knowledge.
Kosmos, Corpus, and Praxis form a dynamic framework that illuminates the intricate relationship between humans and the more-than-human world. They operate in harmony as people navigate their environments, drawing upon cultural beliefs, accumulated knowledge, and practical experiences, some of which they will be aware of; other elements, however, will seem to be “the way the world is” and so unconsciously adopted.
Over the following three articles, I will delve deeper into each component of the ethnoecological framework. We will explore real-world examples of how communities' beliefs (Kosmos), knowledge (Corpus), and practices (Praxis) shape their interactions with their environment. Through these explorations, we aim to comprehensively understand ethnoecology and its significance in our modern world.
Stay tuned as we embark on this enlightening journey through the realms of belief, knowledge, and action within ethnoecology. Discover how these components intertwine to form the rich tapestry of human-environment relationships across cultures and landscapes.
