Social-Cultural Importance of the Paramo Ecosystem
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Social-Cultural Importance of the Paramo Ecosystem Jeremy Rausch B.S. Wildlife Resources
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Social-Cultural Importance of the Paramo Ecosystem. Jeremy Rausch B.S. Wildlife Resources. Introduction. Cultural awareness of different inhabitants of an area is key to understanding and planning for management uses ( Blaikie & Brookfeild 1987). - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Social-Cultural Importance of the Paramo Ecosystem
Social-Cultural Importance of the Paramo Ecosystem
Jeremy RauschB.S. Wildlife Resources
Cultural awareness of different inhabitants of an area is key to understanding and planning for management uses (Blaikie & Brookfeild 1987).
Different groups or organizations have varying ideals and uses of land based on scale of influence (Saelemyr 2004).
Introduction
Lisette Waits
OutlineEcuador
Objectives
Surveys
Interviews
Timeline
Ethical Considerations
Integration
EcuadorContains a high
amount of biodiversityRare & Endemic Spp.
Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
ParamoStudy Area
Yacuambi Wetland System
Tutupali28 de Mayo
Mestizos“Agro-pastural”
farmersCash Crops~1,300 people
Saragurros“Agro-pasturalists”Development~3,000 people
Yacuambi Wetlands SystemCommon Problems
GrazingMiningRoad Development
Loss of land and access in PNP (Saelemyr 2004).
ObjectivesInvestigate
importance of paramo to:SaragurrosMestizosLocal Authorities
Gain knowledge of uses
Understand better the views of locals
Create a Ramsar Protected Area
Brandt
23. Social and cultural values:a) Describe if the site has any general social and/or cultural values
e.g., fisheries production, forestry, religious importance, archaeological sites, social relations with the wetland, etc. Distinguish between historical/archaeological/religious significance and current socio-economic values…
b) Is the site considered of international importance for holding, in addition to relevant ecological values, examples of significant cultural values, whether material or non-material, linked to its origin, conservation and/or ecological functioning?
Objectives
Concurrent mixed methods approach
Using surveys for locals
Interviews for local authorities
Interviewee’s will be identified by UTPL members prior to arrival in Ecuador.
Methods
SurveysConducted on 95 locals
~4300 population95% Confidence Level
±10.Variables
ConcernsSpp. UseFrequency of UseTrust of Managers
(Shindler et al. 2003)Demographics
Will use a 5-point Likert ScaleNot very concerned
to Very Concerned etc…
Statistical AnalysisSPSS®ANOVA
Example Survey QuestionsAnswer the following questions based on your levels of concern. How concerned are you….
Not Very Concerned
Not Concerned
Neutral
Concerned
Very Concerned
With road development 1 2 3 4 5
With mining 1 2 3 4 5
Predators 1 2 3 4 5
Andean Bear (Tremarctos Ornatus)
1 2 3 4 5
InterviewsLocal Authorities
Mayors
Semi-structured
Open-ended
Informed Consent Form
AnalysisCoding themeRelevant themes &
relationships
Lisette Waits
Example Interview Questions Do you have any concerns
about future use and management of the Paramo ecosystem in this region? If so, please tell me about these concerns.
How do you feel local residents’ views should be incorporated into managing the Paramo ecosystem? Would you prefer an active involvement with local residents or a more top-down approach to managing the area? Please discuss your responses.
How important is the Paramo ecosystem to the culture and traditions of this area? What exactly about the Paramo reflects the culture and traditions of residents?
What do you see as the benefits of creating a protected area in this region?
Ethical ConsiderationsInstitutional Review
BoardStatus: PENDING
NIH CertificateCompleted
2/22/2011#639399
Personal InformationSurveys vs.
InterviewsBenefits!
BenefitsGain knowledge of
LocalsLeast influential
stakeholders need a say for better implementation and management of plan (Hensher et al. 2002)Lisette Waits
Timeline
Date TaskJanuary 24th-May 6th ProposalMay 11th,2011 PresentationMay 17th, 2011 Departure for EcuadorMay 19th-20th,2011 UTPL FamiliarizationMay 30th-June 12th,2011 Field WorkJune 12th-July 16th,2011 Data AnalysisJuly 18th,2011 Return to QuitoJuly 24th, 2011 Return to U.S.August –December, 2011
Report
IntegrationSupports the
research of the paramo plant species.
Understanding the uses of plants being identified.
Cooperative with Mining Rights and Andean Watershed studies
Adds a social aspect
Questions or Comments?Special Thanks to Chad Kooistra (M.S. Graduate Student) & Veronica (UTPL Member)
Blaikie, P. M., H. C. Brookfield. 1987. Land Degradation and Society. London: Methuen.
Hensher D.A., J. King. 2002. Mapping stakeholder perceptions of the importance of environmental issues and the success in delivery: a university case study. Environmental Education Research 8(2):199-224
Saelemyr, S. 2004. People, park, and plant use: perception and use of Andean ‘nature’ in the Southern Ecuadorian Andes. Journal of Geography 58:194-203.
Literature Cited
