‘God is my forest’ – Xhosa cultural values provide untapped opportunities for conservation

摘要: In South Africa conservation is still largely framed in terms of Western scientific values, with a focus on material benefits to local communities, whilst little known about the intangible values people attach nature and biodiversity. We explored cultural, spiritual emotional relationships expressed by Xhosa people, within Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot, as well activities that mediate this relationship. A descriptive research approach was applied document emotions, meanings associated landscape elements. This included group individual interviews ‘walk-in-the-woods’ participatory mapping exercises. Respondents portrayed strong, although not always easily articulated, appreciation for nature, especially ihlathi lesiXhosa (‘Xhosa forest’, vegetation types Thicket Biome). Activities such collecting fuelwood other resources, hunting time spent at initiation schools were described key opportunities spending nature. The being ascribed only physical experience forest environment its biota, but also presence ancestral spirits. Being thus contributes significantly physical, mental well-being integral their sense cultural identity. study has made it clear maintenance biodiversity natural much interest community’s planners. recommend be incorporated into plans.