Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
Introduction: Linking Ecology and Ethics
for an Interregional and Intercultural Earth
Stewardship
Ricardo Rozzi , F. Stuart Chapin III , J. Baird Callicott , S. T. A. Pickett ,
Mary E. Power , Juan J. Armesto , and Roy H. May Jr.
Abstract Earth Stewardship implies a paradigm shift in linking facts and values,
multiple forms of ecological knowledge and practices, and broadening the mission
of the ecological sciences. However, two core limitations need to be addressed:
(i) geographical gaps in the coverage of long-term ecological and socio-ecological
research (LTER, LTSER, and other long-term environmental research networks)
across the planet; (ii) philosophical gaps in the epistemological, political, and
ethical dimensions of LTSER. If the rates of anthropogenic damage to the biosphere
are to be reduced, both research and its application on a planetary scale requires
transdisciplinary as well as inter-hemispheric, and intercultural inputs. Also both
scientifi c and traditional ecological knowledge are dynamic. The integration of
biocultural diversity is not an integration of a collection of biological, physical, or
cultural objects; it is the incorporation of dynamic, often confl ictive, processes
of intercultural dialogue, negotiation, and poetic creativity. These intercultural,
interdisciplinary, inter-institutional, and international processes generate forms
of ecosystem co-management, which constitute Earth stewardship. Three areas of
discussion contribute to fi nding the way forward: (1) embracing the multiple forms of
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