Traditional Environmental Ethical Values On The Protection Of Traditionally Protected Areas Among The Asante Sekyere People

Abstract

In the traditional African societies, cultural practices provided sound ethical ways of protecting the environment against over exploitation. Thus, in the context of the Asante culture, qualitative ethnographic design was used to investigate the traditional environmental ethical practices supporting the conservation of Sekyere traditionally protected areas. Thirty-three participants comprising chiefs, elderly, traditional priests, linguists, grove attendants, clan heads, community leaders and folks were purposively interviewed in Sekyere Nsuta area; followed by field observations in the traditionally protected areas. The study revealed that Sekyere environmental values prohibit extraction of freshwater in large volumes; refuse dumping and defecation and farming closer to fresh waters, preserve vegetations along rivers, prohibit hunting, farming, tree cutting and fishing in sacred groves. It was revealed that fines, payments of drinks and sheep, deafness, blindness, incurable diseases and death are the consequences for violation of environmental protection norms. The study also revealed that Sekyere rivers are worshipped, sacred groves are protected for being abodes of the gods, a clan cemetery remains spiritual abode for ancestors; mountain sites are valued for being historical battle sites, abode of spirits and being aesthetical. Adherence of traditional ethical values remains very high in the small communities relative to the towns. Sekyere environmental ethical values are based on traditional system of beliefs. In view of this, non-religious incentives, environmental education, new traditional regulations and community-based environmental protection watch dog group will strengthen and safeguard the protected areas.