Changing Fire Governance in Gabon′s Plateaux Bateke Savanna Landscape

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Version: Final published version
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Serval ID
serval:BIB_C23D80622BA1
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Title
Changing Fire Governance in Gabon′s Plateaux Bateke Savanna Landscape
Journal
Conservation and Society
Author(s)
Walters G.
ISSN
0972-4923
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2015
Volume
13
Number
3
Pages
275-286
Language
english
Abstract
In many African savannas, anthropogenic fire regimes are changing for reasons that are poorly understood. However, these changes will likely impact landscapes. Using the case of the Teke-Alima people of Gabon's savannas, the transition from communal, annual hunting fires, organised by land chiefs, to semi-annual, hunting fires lit by individuals is explored through a fire governance analysis. The centralisation of authority over natural resources with the state was key in changing the fire regime in the 1960s. This shift resulted from the reduction of customary authority over fire use and was compounded by the introduction of guns, population movements, and the rise of the Bateke elite. Today, the state is considering co-management of some areas, and fire is being used to manage landscapes created by historic fire governance. Understanding the past regimes that created the current landscape, and engaging with the people who are still part of the remnant customary system will be critical for shaping future management decisions.
Keywords
Fire governance, customary rule, savanna, landscape, management, Plateaux Bateke, Gabon
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
25/02/2019 10:03
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:37
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