Spreading Relations Rather Than Chemicals in Melanesian Gardens

Abstract

The strand of environmentalism that focuses on biodiversity as produced by the ecosystem places natural agency beyond human control. In Melanesia, where plants, animals, and men cannot radically be distinguished from one another, this standpoint seems too radical. Agronomic studies have shown that Melanesian gardens possess a profusion of biodiversity superior to the so-called natural one. This article therefore attempts to show that Melanesian commonality between people and plants and the correlative association of plants with humans are at the root of this profusion. In sum, rather than placing nature outside the reach of humans, the Melanesian case suggests that biodiversity is best served by human ritual actions during which vegetal materialize the social relations which link the different people.