Abstract: |
In Vietnam, Indigenous Ethnic Minorities are classified according to conventional economic measurements, such as cash income, as the most impoverished population. However, these measurements do not take into account noncash-income factors contributing to wellbeing. To give an accurate assessment of the wellbeing of indigenous ethnic minority individuals and communities, a set of cash-income-neutral wellbeing indicators is necessary. These indicators include access to natural resources, strength of spiritual beliefs, and vitality of cultural practices, indigenous knowledge, and customary laws. CENDI utilized the concept of ‘Livelihood Sovereignty’ to capture these important indicators for wellbeing. More fundamental, however, than ‘livelihood sovereignty’, and the material, social and cultural wellbeing it brings is ‘ecological wellbeing’. |