The theoretical foundation of SPERI’s work is the theory of Biological Human Ecology (BHE), a dynamic and indigenously grown theory based on the worship of nature and the ideological values of indigenous people. Central to this theory is the idea that biological characteristics of ecosystems play an enormous role in forming the cultural and social relationships of many indigenous minority communities. The dynamic and complex natures of these ecological systems constitute a nurturing medium upon which minority communities form their core values and create lasting and sustainable societies. The philosophy sees a community’s beliefs and values toward nature as determining factors for institutional practices and daily behaviours of community members. BHE is explained with the metaphor of cell biology: the nucleus determines the cell structures and functions.
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