Blue ecology: A cross-cultural approach to reconciling forest-related conflicts

Authors

  • Michael D. Blackstock

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22230/jem.2005v6n2a313

Keywords:

blue ecology, blue revolution, conflict resolution, fresh water, First Nations, Mt. Ida, waterbasedecology

Abstract

Fresh water has a unifying role at the ecosystem and human level. Water, without fail, is recognized throughout the globe as crucial to human life. By examining a dispute resolution case study relating to Mt. Ida, near Salmon Arm, B.C., this paper offers a probe of the question “What is water?”. An Elder poses three questions about fresh water's role in the forest ecosystem; the answers are sought using the concept of “blue ecology,” which interweaves Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Western science. The purpose is to reveal cross-cultural assumptions and definitions of fresh water, and to assist in reconciling forest-related conflicts between First Nations and government agencies. Because water is a common interest to all people, blue ecology is proposed as a means towards this reconciliation. The paper presents five guiding principles that should be useful to mediators and forests managers seeking to build co-operative cross-cultural solutions.

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Published

2005-07-18

Issue

Section

Articles