Ecological Migration and Cultural Preservation: A Comparative Study of the Tuvan and Evenki Indigenous Groups in China

Andrew Li

2024

Abstract

Ecological migration driven by climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation has become a pressing global issue, posing severe challenges to the cultural traditions and identities of indigenous communities. This research focuses on the displacement of local residents due to the establishment of protected areas, using two indigenous groups in China-the Tuvan and the Evenki-as case studies. Through comparative analysis, it explores the impact of protected area development on their ecological migration and cultural heritage. The settled Tuvan community faced relocation due to the development of a natural park, disrupting their farming and herding practices. However, the boom in tourism provided new economic opportunities, allowing them to adapt while striving to protect their cultural identity. In contrast, the nomadic Evenki faced an existential threat to their way of life, as deforestation, mining, and hunting restrictions within nature reserves severely limited their traditional subsistence methods and mobility. The case studies highlight the different challenges and coping strategies of settled and nomadic indigenous groups, as well as the government's varying approaches to economic development, biodiversity conservation, and cultural preservation. While the Tuvan actively embraced tourism, the Evenki struggled to maintain their identity amid strict environmental policies. This research delves into the complex relationship between ecological migration, protected area development, and indigenous cultural heritage, providing policy recommendations for balancing these intersecting priorities. It emphasizes the need for meaningful engagement with indigenous communities, co-developed plans, and holistic solutions that reconcile environmental, economic, and cultural sustainability goals.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Li A. (2024). Ecological Migration and Cultural Preservation: A Comparative Study of the Tuvan and Evenki Indigenous Groups in China. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem - Volume 1: ICREE; ISBN 978-989-758-776-4, SciTePress, pages 5-9. DOI: 10.5220/0013841200004914

in Bibtex Style

@conference{icree24,
author={Andrew Li},
title={Ecological Migration and Cultural Preservation: A Comparative Study of the Tuvan and Evenki Indigenous Groups in China},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem - Volume 1: ICREE},
year={2024},
pages={5-9},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013841200004914},
isbn={978-989-758-776-4},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem - Volume 1: ICREE
TI - Ecological Migration and Cultural Preservation: A Comparative Study of the Tuvan and Evenki Indigenous Groups in China
SN - 978-989-758-776-4
AU - Li A.
PY - 2024
SP - 5
EP - 9
DO - 10.5220/0013841200004914
PB - SciTePress