<研究創案ノート> ギニアの森の成り立ち--景観に埋め込まれた生態史を読む

Abstract

The southeastern part of the Republic of Guinea (la Guinée forestière) has a rich variety of fl ora and fauna, which are highly evaluated from a conservation viewpoint. Recent ethnoecological studies in Kissidougou, Ziama, and Bossou in this region have revealed that the seemingly primary forest patches in these areas have been subjected to dynamic and complex historical changes and could be an outcome of local people's intentional or unintentional praxes. Since these vestiges of human activities are delicately embedded in the complex landscapes, conservationists have often overlooked this possibility and proposed conservation policies which inhibit human activities, based on the perception that local people's activities are destructive. These policies are not readily accepted by local communities, because the forests often have various practical and religious functions. More in-depth studies and realistic conservation policies are needed in these areas to maintain a sensitive balance between human economic activity and biodiversity.