Exploring Traditional Ecological Knowledge on whales and dolphins in South Africa

As part of our collaborative project documenting the Traditional Ecological Knowledge on cetaceans in South Africa (in communities identifying as Xhosa and Khoe), we will be presenting on our interim findings at two upcoming events:

The Marine Science Symposium (Plett OceanFest)

The Garden Route Interfaces Network Meeting (co-hosted by NMU and SANParks)

Ocean Ancestors: Ithongo Lamanzi 

The work is led by Dr. Alejandra Vargas (NVT / Nelson Mandela University), Dr. Bernadette Snow (Nelson Mandela University),Zodumo Khowa and presented by Dr. Matthew Zylstra (ONE / Kwendalo Institute / CST-Stellenbosch University).

Recognising and legitimising Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) – the knowledge, practices and stories that have been passed down through generations to frame and guide human interactions with the environment – is central to biocultural diversity and the integrity of social-ecological systems (SES).

This exploratory research is focusing on the largely unexplored cultural significance of whales and dolphins in the South African context.  Through semi-structured interviews, we have been speaking with community representatives and knowledge-holders in Garden Route communities and selected villages from the Wild Coast to better understand TEK, beliefs and relationships with cetaceans.

Historical displacement of peoples from coastal areas which held multigenerational ties has led to trauma and erosion of TEK. Yet it is evident that various oral traditions and knowledge systems have persisted among certain communities, particularly those who have retained or regained coastal access. Emerging results find both commonalities and differences in the nature of the historical and contemporary relationships. They also point to the entanglement between different ways of knowing where, e.g., dreams and contemporary experiences can reshape cultural connections. For some isiXhosa speaking coastal communities, different types of spiritual entities reside in the ocean (and may take the form of cetaceans). For local communities identifying with their Khoe ancestry, perceptions of cetaceans may be shaped by past and present relationships with the coast through fishing practices.

With this study, we aim to identify opportunities that can support the maintenance and intergenerational transmission of TEK as well as finding avenues for more inclusive conservation decision-making processes, particularly those that affect policies shaping the future of our oceans and South Africa’s shared heritage. We also hope that this preliminary work may open new avenues for SES research that may address the uncomfortable questions that can arise when worldviews collide.

The aim is to uncover opportunities for supporting the transmission of TEK across generations and to promote more inclusive ocean governance. This work also invites deeper reflection on how differing worldviews can be respectfully integrated into conservation policy and practice – helping shape a more culturally grounded and equitable future for our oceans.

We are very grateful to the Rufford Small Grants programme for funding this exploratory study.