The Role of Spirits in Indigenous Ontologies and Their Implications for Forest Conservation in Karen State, Myanmar

Karen ontologies are largely informed by an animist mode of interpretation that reveals itself in people’s perceptions of and actions related to the forest. Important aspects of these ontologies are the influence of spirits, cycle of the moon, and communication with animals, which together act as a form of discipline, rhythm, and meaning. Our research demonstrates how indigenous knowledge is underpinned by ontologies that are different from the ontologies underpinning scientific knowledge and conservation practice. We argue that when spirits are not recognized as integral to the ontologies of indigenous Karen people, their knowledge is (mis)understood, and miscommunication and friction occur, which may eventually lead to conservation conflict. We propose that spirits are recognized as part of indigenous ontologies, which should be equally considered on a par with naturalist ontologies underpinning mainstream nature conservation. This demands an increased awareness of the role of spirits in forest use and practice, which inevitably leads to reconsideration of what is considered sustainable and equitable forest conservation.