Papers by Charles Morrison
Guardians of Heritage: Protecting the Cultural Legacy of the Gullah Geechee Nation, Indigenous Communities, Blake Plateau, and Gray's Reef, 2024
On Saint Helena Island, the heart of the Gullah Geechee Nation pulses with a sacred connection to... more On Saint Helena Island, the heart of the Gullah Geechee Nation pulses with a sacred connection to the land and sea, integral to their cultural heritage and spirituality. This bond is exemplified in the term "Sumange," which embodies reunion, community, and the sharing of knowledge. The Gullah Geechee's relationship with the Atlantic Ocean has historically supported subsistence practices and trade, yet areas like Blake's Plateau and Gray's Reef face increasing threats from climate change and human activities. Designating these ecologically significant areas as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is urgent to protect marine biodiversity and the cultural ties that Indigenous communities, including the Gullah Geechee, share with the ocean.
Blake's Plateau, home to the world’s largest deep-sea coral habitat, supports diverse marine life and is crucial for maintaining the health of the Atlantic ecosystem. However, it is currently vulnerable due to limited protection and the impacts of economic interests and environmental degradation. Both Blake's Plateau and Gray's Reef hold deep cultural significance for various Indigenous communities, including the Gullah Geechee, Guale, and Timucua, emphasizing the need for conservation that respects these historical connections.
Advocating for the MPA designation of these areas not only aims to mitigate the ecological impacts of climate change but also honors the cultural heritage that shapes the identities of coastal Indigenous peoples. This paper, produced in collaboration with Goldwater Ventures and the Healthy Ocean Coalition, will outline the ecological and cultural importance of Blake's Plateau and Gray's Reef, make a case for MPA designation, and discuss community involvement in this vital conservation effort. By safeguarding these marine environments, we ensure the survival of critical ecosystems while preserving the profound cultural narratives that connect Indigenous communities to the sea.
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Papers by Charles Morrison
Blake's Plateau, home to the world’s largest deep-sea coral habitat, supports diverse marine life and is crucial for maintaining the health of the Atlantic ecosystem. However, it is currently vulnerable due to limited protection and the impacts of economic interests and environmental degradation. Both Blake's Plateau and Gray's Reef hold deep cultural significance for various Indigenous communities, including the Gullah Geechee, Guale, and Timucua, emphasizing the need for conservation that respects these historical connections.
Advocating for the MPA designation of these areas not only aims to mitigate the ecological impacts of climate change but also honors the cultural heritage that shapes the identities of coastal Indigenous peoples. This paper, produced in collaboration with Goldwater Ventures and the Healthy Ocean Coalition, will outline the ecological and cultural importance of Blake's Plateau and Gray's Reef, make a case for MPA designation, and discuss community involvement in this vital conservation effort. By safeguarding these marine environments, we ensure the survival of critical ecosystems while preserving the profound cultural narratives that connect Indigenous communities to the sea.