Traditional cosmology and nature conservation at the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary of Ghana

Abstract

Cosmological belief systems play significant roles in the conservation of the biodiversity of the residents in the Kumawu Traditional Area of Ghana. It is regrettable to realise that they have been unjustly labeled as an obstacle to scientific progression, resulting in their low voice in the nature conservation initiatives in the area. Thus, the research was aimed at unearthing the conservation ethos of the cosmological belief systems, while justifying with substantial facts, why they must be utilised in modern conservation initiatives. A phenomenological study using Focus Group Discussions, personal interviews and direct observations assisted in the gathering of qualitative data which was rigorously analysed via data analysis spiral approach. The findings revealed that cosmological belief systems greatly influence the attitudes of the residents in the Kumawu Traditional Area toward the natural resource conservation in the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The study contends that nature conservation planners in Ghana must look in-depth into the cosmological belief systems in the area and tag them as a potential traditional biodiversity strategy and as a complement to the conventional scientific models to halt the menace of biodiversity depletion in the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

Keywords

• behavioural attitudes
• biodiversity
• Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary
• conservation
• cosmological belief systems
• Kumawu Traditional Area
• nature