Session: S-134
Integrating Cultural Values in Dugong Conservation

Dugongs (Dugong dugon) play a central role in the culture and cosmology of indigenous fishing communities throughout the Indo-West Pacific. Dugongs feature in art and oral history, and are often a highly valued food item. Fishers often have an intimate knowledge of the ecology and behavior of the threatened marine mammal. However, this rich cultural heritage is often ignored in in-situ dugong conservation efforts, which tend to focus... [ view more ]

Dugongs (Dugong dugon) play a central role in the culture and cosmology of indigenous fishing communities throughout the Indo-West Pacific. Dugongs feature in art and oral history, and are often a highly valued food item. Fishers often have an intimate knowledge of the ecology and behavior of the threatened marine mammal. However, this rich cultural heritage is often ignored in in-situ dugong conservation efforts, which tend to focus on ecotourism enterprises and seagrass ecosystem services valuation. However, such interventions often fail to mobilize public support for dugong conservation, and can in fact undermine local norms and values. This symposium aims to discuss novel methods to integrate cultural values in marine conservation.