Integrating spirituality, nature connectedness and traditional beliefs for holistic mangrove conservation in Casamance, Senegal
| Monday, July 27, 2026 |
| 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
Speaker
Dr Pieter-Jan Keleman
Université Libre De Bruxelles
Integrating spirituality, nature connectedness and traditional beliefs for holistic mangrove conservation in Casamance, Senegal
ISE Congress 2026 Abstract
This research investigates the interplay between traditional beliefs, spirituality, and conservation practices among the Diola community in the mangrove ecosystems of Casamance, Senegal. Through a mixed methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis, the study reveals the significant influence of indigenous spiritual frameworks on environmental stewardship. Traditional practices, such as the reverence for totem animals and the observance of sacred sites, are shown to contribute effectively to biodiversity conservation. The quantitative findings indicate a strong correlation between adherence to these traditions and positive conservation behaviors, suggesting that integrating indigenous knowledge into contemporary conservation strategies can enhance ecological sustainability. The study also engages with philosophical perspectives on subject-object dualism to emphasize how indigenous worldviews that see humans and nature as deeply intertwined offer valuable insights for conservation. The research also highlights the challenges posed by modern influences, which threaten the erosion of traditional knowledge, and critiques the limitations of conventional conservation models that often overlook the cultural and spiritual dimensions of ecosystem management. By advocating for a socio-ecological systems approach that embraces value pluralism and recognizes the importance of spiritual and cultural practices, this research offers a pathway towards more inclusive, resilient, and ethically sound conservation efforts.
Biography
Farid Dahdouh-Guebas is a Full Professor at Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Chair of the Department of Organismal Biology, and Director of the Systems Ecology and Resource Management unit. Founder of the TROPIMUNDO Erasmus Mundus Master, he works with the IUCN and teaches ecology and socio-ecological systems. A leading mangrove researcher since the 1990s, he has published over 225 papers across 25 countries and ranks among Stanford University’s Top 2% scientists in ecology.