The Environmentality of Shrines: Case of Gonde Malende (Shrine) of the Tonga People of Southern Zambia

Religious beliefs, traditional beliefs, cultural mores and practices play a crucial role for the successful conservation of the environment and specific organisms in the developing countries (Ngara & Mangizvo, 2013). This paper emerged from an investigation of the environmental value of the main shrine of the Tonga people of Zambia; the Gonde Malende. The study reveals that the shrine has been a sanctuary for both fauna and flora, and other inanimate components of the environment. Also, the conservation of various environmental entities has had a reciprocal benefit to the conserver and the conserved. Taboos, prohibitions and punishment have been the central tools enabling protection of the area from degradation. Interviews and observations were used for data collection. I recommend use of Malende as an environmental value clarifying resource, and relevant local and government authorities, and non-governmental organizations should collaborate in sustaining the grove. Also, environmental Conservation Institutions should earnestly consider infusing indigenous strategies in their work.