Kaitiakitanga

Kaitiakitanga is an Indigenous Māori term that denotes the concept of care. It stems from the word tiaki, meaning "to care for, guard, protect, to keep watch over and shelter".
Kai is a prefix that when applied to tiaki means "caretaker, guardian, conservator, or trustee”.
Kaitiakitanga literally means the circumstance of watching or guarding, and refers to preservation, fostering, protecting and sheltering.
The use of the term kaitiakitanga has become increasingly common in environmental research, policy and legislation in Aotearoa.
It's increased use in environmental policy has drawn attention to the inherent spiritual connection and responsibilities tangata whenua (Indigenous Māori) have to the natural environment and the need to provide for this connection.