No thanks: How an ideology of sharing, not reciprocating, ensures abundance in the forests of south‐eastern Cameroon

• DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10734
• Publication Date: 2024-09-25T15:18:02Z
• Authors: Simon Hoyte; Felix Mangombe
• Keywords: Reciprocating motion

Abstract Reciprocity and relationality are themes which frequently emerge with respect to human–nature associations in Indigenous groups around the world. But many hunter‐gatherers have been shown reject systems of reciprocity, instead favouring unconditional sharing both between each other their environment through egalitarian social structures. Investigations reciprocity Central African has neglected. In this article, we investigate how Baka‐forest relationships intersect concepts what implications for forest managers. The work is result a collaboration local knowledge holders an anthropologist who carried out extensive ethnographic fieldwork Baka village south‐eastern Cameroon. Through examples three phenomena—origin stories, human–animal shapeshifting, ancestral spirits—we show that hold complex deeply rooted relational connection forest, whereby two closely tied. common notion direct ‘giving back’ or thanks’ appears such diversity contexts not present case Baka. Rather, focus on celebrating abundance experienced, expressed properly others. There no expectation will lead getting something return, but known as ultimate way achieve joy. As consider themselves part ensuring own well‐being ideology dependent close ties. Extractive industries mainstream conservation practices Cameroon often based inappropriate approaches may cause harm communities jeopardise state long term. social‐ecological philosophy describe, insists caring people primary means provides guidance managers tropics more widely secure sustainable future forests people. Read free Plain Language Summary article Journal blog.