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VOL. 1, ISSUE 1 (2025)
The role of indigenous beliefs in environmental stewardship: A study of Kolo Creek Clan
Authors
Azibalua Onyagholo
Abstract
This study explores the integral role that
indigenous beliefs and cultural practices play in environmental stewardship
among the Kolo Creek Clan in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Drawing on
ethnographic fieldwork, oral traditions, and historical records, the research
investigates how traditional ecological knowledge and spiritual values
influence environmental conservation and resource management. Central to the
clan’s environmental ethos are belief systems that attribute sacredness to
natural elements such as rivers, forests, and animals, thereby fostering a deep
sense of responsibility and respect toward nature. Rituals, taboos, and
communal practices serve as informal regulatory mechanisms that guide
sustainable interaction with the environment. The study reveals that, despite
increasing pressures from modernization and oil-related environmental
degradation, many of these traditional practices continue to provide a
framework for resilience and ecological balance. It argues for the recognition
and integration of indigenous knowledge systems into formal environmental
policies to ensure culturally relevant and sustainable conservation strategies.
Ultimately, the research highlights the importance of valuing indigenous
worldviews in global efforts to address environmental challenges.
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Pages:11-17
How to cite this article:
Azibalua Onyagholo "The role of indigenous beliefs in environmental stewardship: A study of Kolo Creek Clan". World Journal of Academic Research
, Vol 1, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 11-17
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