Biocultural Diversity

Biocultural diversity
… refers to the interplay between biological diversity and cultural heritage. It encompasses the diversity of species and ecosystems as well as the different cultural practices, traditions and knowledge systems associated with them.
... is crucial for sustainable development as it safeguards the livelihoods of communities and contributes to the preservation of traditions and identities.

The protection of biocultural diversity...
... promotes the resilience of ecosystems and cultures (social stability/peace) ... is an important aspect in the fight against climate change and the loss of species.

Biocultural diversity refers to the interconnectedness of biological diversity and cultural heritage. Throughout history, humans have evolved as part of nature, continuously adapting to their local environments. In the process, they have developed a remarkable variety of cultural practices, traditions, knowledge systems, and languages, all shaped by the close relationship between people and the natural world.
The global loss of languages and traditional knowledge, alongside the decline in biological diversity (biodiversity), led to the realization in the 1990s that cultural and biological diversity are directly linked.
Today, around 7,000 languages are spoken worldwide, but only about 25 of them are used by half of the global population. This highlights that smaller ethnic groups play a crucial role in maintaining linguistic diversity. Research shows that regions with high linguistic and cultural diversity often also host exceptionally rich biodiversity. Approximately 70 percent of all languages are spoken in so-called biodiversity hotspots. These areas are home to an extraordinary variety of species and ecosystems, yet they are also among the most threatened on the planet.

This geographic overlap illustrates the deep connection between biological, cultural, and linguistic diversity. Valuable local plant knowledge, medical practices, and cultural traditions are often preserved in specific languages and tied to particular environments. When such languages or cultures disappear, entire bodies of ecological knowledge passed down through generations may vanish as well, especially knowledge related to native plant life.
For this reason, the protection of biocultural diversity is essential for sustainable development.
It safeguards the livelihoods of communities and enhances the resilience of ecosystems and cultures. Language, culture, and nature are inseparably connected. Uganda, with its diverse ecosystems, is another such hotspot with a particularly high level of biodiversity. Over 40 languages are spoken in Uganda.

Overlap of biological and linguistic diversity. (Source: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1117511109)

Further information: https://terralingua.org