Local knowledge and biodiversity

Abstract

Abstract provided by author

The Namibian Constitution article 95 (1) requires our government to take measures to promote and maintain the welfare of the people. Among these are measures aimed at "the maintenance of ecosystems, ecological processes and biological diversity of Namibia and utilization of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future"

This presents background information on biodiversity protection and utilization of natural resources at national level as well as at traditional level especially in Uukwambi Traditional Authority and the legal frameworks in which they are regulated

This minor field study was carried out in Uukwambi Traditional Authority in order to show whether section 14A of the laws of Uukwambi protect Makalani Palm as biological resource and if it meets the standards required by the convention on biodiversity, the Constitution, the Forest Act, and the Traditional Authority Act. A research of the legal instruments used to conserve biodiversity in Namibia has also been carried out

The study shows that there is no clearly defined system governing the use of natural resources especially small Makalani Palm where the demand for leaves used in production of baskets is high. However, the general status of Makalani Palm appears to be normal without being threatened. Specific actions and needs are recommended for investigation and implementation under customary law particularly the Traditional Authority of Uukwambi in which the research has been carried out if possible.