Abstract:
The resurrection of the traditional socio-ecological knowledge system as a complimentary
biodiversity conservation tool for poorly performing protected areas has fueled a new debate on what
drives resource use behavior in forest landscapes. Using ecological assessment and ethno-botanical
techniques, we tested whether culture or the ecological abundance of resources can su ciently explain
the use behavior of traditional society for various livelihood-related utilities. Data were analyzed
using parametric and non-parametric tests. The two communities of the Vhavenda people had
homogenous cultural values, despite the fact that they reside in di erent forest conditions. The use
value of habitats increases along the land use intensity gradient, as defined by cultural norms and
taboos. However, despite the presumed strictness of rules related to state-protected indigenous forest,
it had the same use value as with open access resource use zones. Almost no resource harvesting from
culturally protected (sacred) forests was reported. Species abundance did not su ciently explain
their use value. Generally, the findings show that culture plays a predominant role in explaining use
behavior. Neither is resource use decision random nor is the concept of protected areas a new concept
to traditional society. Hence, capitalizing on the benefits of cultural assets in conservation action,
through genuine partnership and the empowerment of local people, will ensure the sustainability of
global biodiversity initiatives.
