The DEDO forest conservation culture a means to conserves the Ororo
(Ekebergia capensis) tree.
Abstract
The forest people around the world through their indigenous knowledge
contribute to the sustainable management of forests. This article argues
that the Sheka people in southwestern Ethiopia by their ecological
knowledge, values, and spiritual use could manage the Ororo tree
(Ekebergia capensis). The Ororo tree (Ekebergia capensis) is one of the
most important endemic tree species in the Sheka zone southwestern
Ethiopia and, at the same time, one of the most endangered species. Data
collected on the indigenous ecological knowledge of the Sheka people and
how the Ororo tree could be managed and conserved through the DEDO
culture documented and the spiritual connection between the Ororo trees
and the Sheka people traditional belief system measured. The findings
revealed that through their traditional forest-related knowledge, the
Sheka people conserve and manage a single larger tree called Ororo. The
Ororo tree is a special type of tree that has cultural and spiritual
attachments that are presently non-existent. This unique forest
conservation practice has been referred to as the DEDO culture. The
culture of DEDO comes up with worshiping around the Ororo tree. Thus,
the culture of DEDO played an important role in maintaining the
conservation of the DEDO sacred tree (Ororo) and biodiversity therein.
Over time, the DEDO sacred tree (Ororo) conservation culture has been
decline, and various factors have contributed to the decline of this
useful ecological knowledge.