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The DEDO forest conservation culture a means to conserves the Ororo (Ekebergia capensis) tree.
  • getaneh Haile
getaneh Haile
Jigjiga University

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Abstract

The forest people around the world through their indigenous knowledge contribute to the sustainable management of forests. This article argues that the Sheka people in southwestern Ethiopia by their ecological knowledge, values, and spiritual use could manage the Ororo tree (Ekebergia capensis). The Ororo tree (Ekebergia capensis) is one of the most important endemic tree species in the Sheka zone southwestern Ethiopia and, at the same time, one of the most endangered species. Data collected on the indigenous ecological knowledge of the Sheka people and how the Ororo tree could be managed and conserved through the DEDO culture documented and the spiritual connection between the Ororo trees and the Sheka people traditional belief system measured. The findings revealed that through their traditional forest-related knowledge, the Sheka people conserve and manage a single larger tree called Ororo. The Ororo tree is a special type of tree that has cultural and spiritual attachments that are presently non-existent. This unique forest conservation practice has been referred to as the DEDO culture. The culture of DEDO comes up with worshiping around the Ororo tree. Thus, the culture of DEDO played an important role in maintaining the conservation of the DEDO sacred tree (Ororo) and biodiversity therein. Over time, the DEDO sacred tree (Ororo) conservation culture has been decline, and various factors have contributed to the decline of this useful ecological knowledge.
06 Jun 2020Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
09 Jun 2020Assigned to Editor
09 Jun 2020Submission Checks Completed