Taboos as sources of Shona people's environmental ethics

Abstract

The Shona environmental taboos foster a sustainable use of the environment. Among the Shona people, an unconscious appreciation of certain ‘environmental taboos’ informs an esoteric environmentally based knowledge that is meant at sustainable use of nature’s resources. Although the Shona society, just like any other African society, has felt the impact of cultural globalization, some of their values, such as taboos, have defied such a tide of change and continue to shape human conduct as it relates to the environment. Shona taboos highlight their moral import, are crucial in preserving the environment, and protect water sources, the natural vegetation and wildlife, and endangered nonhuman species