Biopolicy Volume 1, Paper 3 (PY96003) December 2nd 1996
Online Journal, URL - http://www.bdt.org.br/bioline/py
A contextual classification of "intrinsically wild" food
species
Margaret I. Evans
Received October 21st 1996
Accepted December 1st 1996
Code Number: PY96003
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SUMMARY
Many thousands of "wild" species of plants, animals and lower
organisms, both terrestrial and aquatic, are used to provide
food and beverages. In a very wide range of human
populations, some of these species provide important sources
of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. This is specially
true for both the poorest and the richest socioeconomic groups
in the world. Many of these species and their habitats are
under threat. Only those which form the basis of a large-scale
economy (notably Northern fish stocks) have received much
publicity.
As yet there is no internationally agreed definition to refer
to these species, which are beginning at last to attract the
attention of policy makers. This paper proposes the term
"intrinsically wild". In essence this refers to species which
can, and usually do, exist without the need for human
intervention.
Since human values systems are slower to change than are
economically or politically expedient policies, and
perceptions and use of "food" vary from one culture to
another, a "contextual classification" is proposed and
detailed. An analysis of other systems of taxonomy for "wild
sources of food" is also given.
The use of the term "wild" is discussed, without prejudice,
and acknowledging the need to abandon any agreement to the
concept of terra nullius. The taxonomy proposed for
these species is put forward for discussion as a practical
research, conservation and food-security policy tool,
appropriate for use across a wide sociocultural range.
Flexible sub-sets to the three main categories are given, and
can be used to create dynamic classifications so that
taxonomies
put forward by one ethnic group or local society can be
compared
with those given by another, yet both refer to a normative
basic
framework. Variations in use of "intrinsically wild" food over
time and space can also be incorporated into the simple model
framework given.
The point is made that, in order to reach a consensus
agreement,
more feedback and discussion from the South is needed. It
is not appropriate that the current paradigms of western
culture are used as a "default mode" for the formulation of
the policies which are essentially having most affect on
peoples outside that culture, even though it is evident that
the terms used must be defined in the main language used in
international policy formulation, namely English.
This classification could form a useful point of departure
toward such a consensus, especially for future taxonomic work
and policy formulation associated with the UN Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD), the FAO's Global Plan of Action
for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Genetic
Resources for Food and Agriculture (GPA), IUCN 's CITES and
TRAFFIC, and the World Trade Organization's TRIPs
agreement.
Key words: "wild" food, taxonomy, ethnotaxonomy,
foodways,
traditional resource rights, conservation policies.
