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Cultural Indicator Ranking Results
Healthy Reefs for Healthy People
Cultural Issue Cultural questions Indicator Criteria I Criteria II Criteria III Criteria IV Criteria V Comments
 Relevance to the MAR Data Availability Scientific Soundness Management responsiveness Transparency and Understandability
1. State of indigenous/local languages and traditional knowledge  Is traditional knowledge (i.e., local languages, ethnic knowledge & skills) being passed to future generations? Number of children learning and speaking indigenous/local language Moderate Moderate Moderate High Moderate In general, transmission of language correlates positively with transmission and maintenance of cultural knowledge, including knowledge about the environment and related use and management practices.
Surveys on persistence of ethnobiological/ethnoecological knowledge and skills High TBD High High High The persistence and continued adaptation of traditional ecological knowledge and skills is an essential component of socio-ecological sustainability. The methodologies for measuring and assessing the state of TEK are just beginning to be developed.
2. Traditional livelihoods & subsistence practices  Are traditional livelihoods & subsistence practices being affected? Percentage of income deriving from traditional livelihoods/subsistence practices (fishing, agriculture, animal husbandry) High High High High High The assumption is that traditional economies have tended to be more compatible with sustaining ecosystem functions.
3. Traditional cultural beliefs and practices leading to sustainable resource use How are traditional beliefs and practices affecting/improving sustainable resource use? Surveys on traditional restrictions/regulations over resource use (sacred sites, taboos, etc.) High TBD Moderate Moderate High The existence of such beliefs and practices can be very supportive of conservation goals.
4. Access to traditional land and aquatic natural resources Has access to traditional land and aquatic natural resources changed? Percentage of population having access to traditional land and aquatic environments and resources High TBD High High High Access to land and aquatic natural resources is one of the most essential conditions for the maintenance of traditional livelihoods/subsistence practices.
5. Land and offshore tenure/ownership systems  Who owns the land? Percentage of population maintaining traditional tenure/ownership systems High TBD High Moderate High An important indicator to the extent that traditional  tenure/ownership systems are tied to sustainable livelihoods and resource management.
Percentage of population enjoying secure tenure over traditional lands and offshore resources High TBD High High High A key condition for continued access to traditional land/offshore resources and for maintaining sustainable practices.
6. Intergenerational residency in local area  Does intergenerational residency in local areas help sustainability? Percentage of households that have been in place for two generations of more High High Moderate Moderate Moderate The assumption is that length of residency of a household correlates with knowledge of the environment and sustainable use.
7. Out-migration  How is migration affecting sustainability & livelihoods? Percentage of population migrating to urban centers or other countries High High High Moderate High Outmigration tends to disrupt traditional family and community structures and may negatively affect sustainable resource use.
8. Maintenance of cultural identity in the face of "modernization" and mass tourism Are we losing our cultural identity to globalization and modernization? Percentage of households maintaining traditional practices with respect to significant social/religious activities/ceremonies High TBD Moderate Moderate Moderate This is a general indicator of cultural cohesiveness. If such practices are directly or indirectly related to sustainable management of natural resources, their persistence can be positive for conservation.
Ranking results are adapted from: Maffi et al., draft report for World Bank (2004). © Healthy Reefs for Healthy People