Managing beyond designations: supporting endogenous processes for nurturing biocultural development

Over the past decade the concept of biocultural diversity has emerged in scholarly and policy circles as an acknowledgement that biological and cultural diversity are interconnected and interdependent, and equally threatened. A significant portion of the world’s biocultural diversity is found within indigenous territories, where indigenous peoples have historically managed a coevolutionary relationship between their communities and their land. This suggests that endogenous processes within indigenous territories are important for a continued nurturing of biocultural diversity. Emerging designations used for conservation of biocultural diversity can be useful, but by themselves are unable to protect the ongoing relationships and processes that create and nurture the diversity. In this paper, we argue that it is important to move beyond conservation-driven management models towards models that support endogenous processes. Designations for biocultural diversity, accordingly, need to recognise that people, biodiversity and place are best managed as an interconnected whole, and actively support the well-being and self-determination of indigenous peoples. We use examples from Panama (indigenous Kuna Yala territory) and New Zealand (Mataura Mātaitai Reserve, Southland) to reflect upon the ongoing role of endogenous processes and how they interact with exogenous designations. Through the case studies we illustrate the importance of contextualising our understanding of biocultural diversity as part of endogenous development to recognise wider issues of indigenous rights. Finally, we offer some lessons for managing beyond designations and supporting endogenous processes.