Ocean Health & Kaitiakitanga
Understanding Microplastics Through Mātauranga Māori & Modern Science
Investigating ocean pollution using both traditional Māori environmental knowledge and contemporary scientific methods to understand our responsibilities as kaitiaki (guardians).
Whakatūwhera - Cultural Foundation
In Te Ao Māori, we understand that the health of te moana (the ocean) directly affects the health of all life. As kaitiaki, we have inherited the responsibility to protect and restore the mauri (life force) of our marine ecosystems. Modern science helps us understand threats like microplastics, while mātauranga Māori guides us in our response as guardians.
"Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au" - I am the environment, the environment is me.
Ngā Whāinga Matua - Key Understandings
Mātauranga Māori
- Understand kaitiakitanga as our core responsibility.
- Recognise the mauri (life force) in natural systems.
- See the whakapapa connecting us to the ocean.
Modern Science
- Identify what microplastics are and where they come from.
- Analyse the impact of pollutants on food webs.
- Use scientific data to inform environmental action.
Ngā Mahi Rangahau - Investigation Tasks
1. Traditional Environmental Assessment
Scenario: You are kaitiaki responsible for a local marine area. Use traditional indicators to assess its health.
- What would healthy conditions look like according to traditional indicators (water clarity, species diversity)?
- How might microplastic pollution affect each of these natural signs?
- What traditional management practices (like rāhui) could help address pollution?
2. Scientific Microplastic Analysis
Scenario: You are marine scientists studying microplastic contamination in the same area.
- What patterns might you observe in microplastic distribution (e.g., more in some areas than others)?
- How do the scientific findings (e.g., plastic in fish) relate to the traditional indicators (e.g., unhealthy fish)?
- What human activities are the likely sources of this pollution?
3. Modern Kaitiakitanga Action Plan
Challenge: As modern kaitiaki, combine traditional and scientific knowledge to develop a response to microplastic pollution.
- How can traditional knowledge and scientific data be used together to make a strong case for action?
- What are the root causes of the pollution, and how can they be addressed?
- How can you involve the community (whānau, hapū) in the solution?
- What is one action young people (rangatahi) can lead?
Whakaaro - Kaitiaki Reflection
Understanding microplastic pollution through both mātauranga Māori and modern science gives us the knowledge and responsibility to act as effective kaitiaki. We are not separate from te taiao - we are part of it, and its healing depends on our actions as informed, culturally grounded guardians.