Conservation Efforts in Melanesian Should Incorporate Wantok System and Storylines as an Appropriate Conservation Approach for Melanesia

by Elder Wewo Kotokay, Melanesian Conservation Elders, Inc. (Founder and Director)

The Melanesian Wantok System and Storylines are ingrained in the culture of the region, playing a crucial role in social organization, decision-making, and community cohesion. In order for NGOs operating in Melanesia to effectively gain local support, it is essential to integrate and respect these traditional systems and storylines in their approaches.

To engage with families, clans, villages, and islands in a culturally sensitive way, NGOs can take the following steps:

1. Build relationships and trust: Before initiating any project or program, NGOs should take the time to build relationships with community leaders, elders, and key stakeholders. This could involve attending community meetings, participating in local events, and respectfully learning about the cultural practices and beliefs of the community.
2. Respect the Wantok System: The Wantok System is based on mutual support and solidarity among extended family and clan members. NGOs can respect this system by involving local leaders and community members in decision-making processes, and by prioritizing community ownership and participation in project implementation.
3. Incorporate traditional practices: NGOs can work with local communities to identify traditional practices and customs that align with their project goals. For example, in the context of conservation projects, NGOs could work with local communities to revive traditional land management practices that promote sustainable resource use.
4. Embrace storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful medium in Melanesian culture, with myths, legends, and oral histories playing a central role in passing down knowledge and values. NGOs can incorporate storytelling into their work by partnering with local storytellers and elders to communicate key messages, raise awareness about issues, and engage community members in dialogue.
5. Foster inclusivity and diversity: Melanesia is a region of rich cultural diversity, with hundreds of languages and distinct cultural practices. NGOs should be mindful of this diversity and work to ensure that their projects are inclusive of all community members, regardless of their ethnicity, language, or social status.

By integrating and respecting the Melanesian Wantok System and Storylines in their work, NGOs can build trust, credibility, and connection with local communities. This, in turn, can contribute to the overall success and sustainability of NGO projects in Melanesia, as communities are more likely to be actively engaged in project activities, take ownership of initiatives, and support long-term outcomes. Ultimately, by working in partnership with local communities and respecting their cultural traditions and values, NGOs can create lasting impact and positive change in Melanesia.