Ceninetel a,it e tte tenew = 'Helping each other take care of the land' : an ethnoecological approach to restoring the coastal dune ecosystem of Tixen and Island View Beach
Date
2009-10-26T20:54:06Z
Authors
Bartley, Raymond Glenn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study focuses on the ecological restoration of a coastal dune ecosystem on the east
coast of Vancouver Island that supports bird migration. The area is also a part of the
traditional homelands of the Tsawout First Nation. Because environmental degradation has
impaired the functioning of both ecological and cultural systems, the restoration of this
ecosystem requires a distinctive approach. An “ethnoecological” approach to restoration is
presented that seeks collaboration between ecological science and traditional ecological
knowledge in order to restore the ecological integrity and human connection to this culturally
significant landscape. Guided by the values of the Tsawout community, and the practice of
good ecological restoration, I make recommendations for short and long term restoration
actions. A set of ethnoecological restoration guidelines are presented to help guide future
projects with the dual mandate of ecology and culture. Finally, opportunities for making
connections between this project and other regional initiatives are explored in an attempt to
restore links in the migratory habitat chain.
Description
Keywords
Coastal ecology, Sand dunes, Tsawout