Geoscience Reference
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on tenets of reciprocity and cyclical thinking, that define responsibilities
and ways of relating between humans and the world around them
(for example, by ensuring methods of harvesting resources that will
not deplete supplies needed for survival). The notion that 'you take
only what you need and leave the rest' is central to this. So, too, is the
concept of 'reciprocity' that defines the relationship and responsibility
between people and the environment (all parts - plants, animals, fish,
rocks): 'This precarious balance still exists, and the relationship between
plants, animals, the elements, the air, water, wind and earth are all equally
and evenly placed within the whole' (Robyn, 2002: 202).
Integration of the ecological and the cultural, of nature and society,
finds expression in all facets of life.
As every good farmer knows, if we take from the soil we
must replenish and nourish it or it will become barren. In
indigenous tribal cultures this principle is recognised and
honoured by means of many rituals, particularly in relation
to hunting and harvesting. Hunters all over the world
have small rituals to thank the dead or dying animal for its
sacrifice of life so that the hunter's family might live, and
to acknowledge that one day it will be the hunter's turn
to surrender the nutrients and energy in his or her body
back to the Earth system. Practices such as these not only
keep these principles present in the minds of people, they
are also expressions of the respect and humility necessary to
function as an integral member of the Earth Community.
(Cullinan, 2003: 132-3)
The emphasis here is the relationship of humans to nature by being
part of nature. Difference and unity are both aspects of this complex
relationship. What is important is that it is the size and scale of human
settlement that ensures that ecosystems have continuous sustainability.
For indigenous people, social systems are usually decentralised,
communal and self-reliant: 'These societies live closely with and depend
on the life contained in that particular ecosystem. This way of living
enabled indigenous communities to live for thousands of years in
continuous sustainability' (Robyn, 2002: 199). Small is indeed better
from an ecological and social point of view.
We also, however, have to be aware of how traditional indigenous
ways are subject to continuous change. For example, if we consider the
word 'traditional' in relation to fishing, this can in fact refer to quite
different aspects of traditional fishing, such as:
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