preserving ancient weather magic and wind lore in Vanuatu
- Natuman, a tupunus in Tafea province, uses traditional knowledge to guide agricultural practices based on weather patterns.
- Researchers are working with local communities to document Indigenous environmental knowledge and the links between language and nature.
- The preservation of this knowledge is crucial for the survival of cultural heritage and adaptation to climate change.
In Vanuatu's Tafea province, local knowledge about agriculture and environmental conditions is at risk due to the loss of languages and changing ecosystems. Natuman, a tupunus, exemplifies the traditional understanding of weather patterns and their impact on farming, particularly in planting yams when southern winds blow. However, the decline in local flora, exacerbated by climate change and cattle farming, threatens this ancient wisdom. Researchers, including K David Harrison, are collaborating with local communities to document Indigenous environmental knowledge and the intricate links between language and nature. Since 2015, they have conducted nature surveys and studied nine local languages, revealing concepts that are often untranslatable into English. Harrison's work on wind lore highlights the sophisticated survival tools that are becoming fragmented among younger generations. The urgency to preserve this knowledge is underscored by recent climate disasters, emphasizing the need for documentation to safeguard cultural heritage and environmental understanding.