The cultural context of biodiversity conservation - Oapen

Local expressions of indigenous knowledge
The harvest, called cosecha (*q'olok), takes place five months after planting. For this activity,
labour exchange is rare. Rather all family members participate in this activity,
which is – like the seeding of the maize – of particular cultural significance for the villagers.
14 According to our informants, a ›good harvest‹ produces at least two costales
per tarea. 15 A successful harvest, they explain, depends upon a set of factors. Aside
from climate and soil conditions, the farmers' pattern of maintenance in the growing
cycle is reported to play a crucial role. The most frequently mentioned threats that affect
the plants is the influence of the sun, causing the crops to wither and dry up, and
heavy rains that may lead to crop damage. Also animals such as deer and small mammals
damage the crops, and farmers frequently attend their milpa to chase them away.
An ever-present concern is the maintenance of soil fertility. With their production system
the farmers attempt to keep a balance between nutrient losses and gains. The role
trees play in soil protection is widely recognised. Seeds are collected in the forest, and
several species are planted and maintained along the edges of the milpa and on the fallows.
These are habitats for birds and small mammals, creating diverse landscape patterns
and conserving biodiversity. Arboricultural practices are an integral part of the
agro-ecosystem and border fields as living fences or living supports.
Fig. 5.5 The raising of trees in seed bags before transplanting is a common practice
14 A series of ritual practices and taboos emphasise the primary importance of the milpa cycle in the
local economy. This realm of agrarian rituals will be dealt with in chapter 5.2.3.
15 1 costal is equivalent to 150 libras or 300 cobs. An average household of 10 persons consumes
about 1 quintal (46 kg) per week.
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