Biocultural Journey through Our Planet

Introduction

• Presentation features conservation photographer Joan de la Maya's work.
• Focuses on the interconnectedness of human culture and nature.
• Examines the idea that many natural landscapes are shaped by human action.

Human Influence on Landscapes

• Ethnobiological, archaeological, and botanical research show human impact on landscapes.
• Many landscapes are cultural, shaped by humans over millennia.
• Biocultural diversity: interplay between biological, cultural, linguistic, genetic, and ecological diversity.

Role of Indigenous Peoples

• Indigenous peoples safeguard a significant portion of global biodiversity.
• Indigenous lands account for a large percentage of natural areas and forest landscapes critical for climate change mitigation.
• Example: Amazon's biocultural diversity heavily relies on indigenous stewardship.

Challenges Faced by Indigenous Communities

• Dispossession of land and colonial history have disrupted indigenous relationships with their traditional territories.
• Examples of biodiversity and cultural site destruction, e.g., Pachene petroglyphs in Bolivian Amazon.

Colonialism's Impact

• Colonialism continues to harm biocultural diversity.
• Examples include genocide, assimilation policies, and cultural heritage destruction.
• Despite these, indigenous peoples exhibit resilience and cultural continuity.

Hope and Resilience in the Amazon

• The Amazon faces ecological and social challenges.
• Hope found in indigenous resistance and leadership in defending territories.
• Indigenous lands serve as vital islands of biological and cultural diversity.

Supporting Indigenous Efforts

• Importance of raising awareness and advocating for indigenous rights.
• Ensuring indigenous peoples are part of global policy decisions, especially regarding climate change.
• Encouraging inclusion of indigenous knowledge in environmental policy-making.

Conclusion

• Presentation by Alvaro highlights the need to protect biocultural diversity.
• Recognizes indigenous peoples as crucial to maintaining ecological balance and cultural heritage.
• Calls for international support and recognition of indigenous rights and efforts.