Journal of Coastal Zone Management

The Preservation of Seafaring Traditions and Maritime Native Cultures

Chen Ye^* Department of Shipping and Transportation Management, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
^*Correspondence: Chen Ye, Department of Shipping and Transportation Management, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan, Email:

Received: 03-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. JCZM-23-21092; Editor assigned: 05-Apr-2023, Pre QC No. JCZM-23-21092 (PQ); Reviewed: 25-Apr-2023, QC No. JCZM-23-21092; Revised: 02-May-2023, Manuscript No. JCZM-23-21092 (R); Published: 09-May-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2473-3350.23.26.568

Description

The sea has always been a source of life, livelihood, and inspiration for many native cultures around the world. From the Chumash of California to the Makah of Washington, from the Polynesians of the Pacific to the Inuit of the Arctic, native peoples have developed rich and diverse seafaring traditions and maritime folklore that reflect their deep connections to the marine environment. These traditions and folklore include not only tangible artifacts such as canoes, tools, and art, but also intangible aspects such as stories, songs, rituals, and knowledge [1,2].

Sea faring is the activity of working as a sailor or traveling regularly on the sea. It is a way of life that has been practiced by many cultures and civilizations throughout history, and that has shaped the world in various ways. Sea faring involves not only the technical skills of navigating, sailing, and operating vessels, but also the cultural aspects of exploring, trading, communicating, and interacting with other peoples and places. Sea faring has many benefits and challenges for those who engage in it [3,4].

• The opportunity to discover new lands, resources, and knowledge

• The development of trade networks, economic growth, and cultural exchange

• The enhancement of personal qualities such as courage, curiosity, and adaptability

• The enjoyment of nature, adventure, and freedom

• Some of the challenges include:

• The exposure to dangers such as storms, pirates, and diseases

• The difficulty of maintaining safety, health, and comfort on board

• The separation from family, friends, and home

• The risk of conflict, exploitation, and colonization

However, these cultural heritage elements are under threat from various factors, such as climate change, coastal development, pollution, overfishing, tourism, and globalization. These factors can erode the physical and social conditions that sustain seafaring traditions and maritime folklore, as well as the sense of identity and belonging that they provide to native communities. Moreover, these factors can also create conflicts and tensions between different stakeholders who have different values and interests in the use and management of marine resources [5,6].

Therefore, it is important to find ways to preserve and promote seafaring traditions and maritime folklore of native cultures, not only for their intrinsic value, but also for their potential contributions to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, social cohesion, and intercultural dialogue [7,8].

Supporting research into seafaring traditions and maritime folklore of native cultures, by involving native communities as partners and collaborators in documenting, analyzing, and disseminating their cultural heritage. This can help increase awareness and appreciation of the diversity and complexity of native maritime cultures, as well as their historical and contemporary relevance [9].

Protecting and conserving seafaring traditions and maritime folklore of native cultures, by respecting their rights and interests in managing their cultural heritage. This can involve recognizing their customary laws and practices, ensuring their free prior informed consent, providing them with legal protection and access to resources, and addressing any threats or damages to their cultural heritage [10].

Conclusion

Promoting seafaring traditions and maritime folklore of native cultures, by encouraging their transmission and revitalization among native communities and beyond. This can involve supporting their educational and cultural initiatives, facilitating their participation in public events and media platforms, fostering their innovation and creativity, and creating opportunities for intercultural exchange and learning.

By preserving and promoting seafaring traditions and maritime folklore of native cultures, we can not only honor their past achievements and contributions to humanity’s maritime heritage, but also support their present aspirations and challenges in facing the future of our oceans.

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