Identificación de principios y prácticas bioculturales para el diseño de estrategias de restauración ecológica en un bosque húmedo tropical amazónico

Abstract

One of the main challenges for establishing and developing ecological restoration in the Amazon rainforest is the acknowledgement and inclusion of indigenous knowledge, experience and perspectives in the process. Through ethnographic research that emphasizes ‘dialogue of knowledge’ carried out with the Koreguajᵾ indigenous people and having a standard ecological restauration framework as reference; seven biocultural principles were formulated. The aim of these principles is to serve as a guide for future ecological restoration innitiatives in the region. Furthermore, as an outcome of ‘knowledge dialogue’ this study suggests components of restoration (restoration scenarios, reference ecosystems, key species, and management practices) in line with indigenous livelihoods and cultural practices. We believe the experience and outcomes presented in this study can serve as an example upon which future research can build on, embracing bicultural principles and practices and contributing to breaching gaps in the relationship between the indigenous and non-indigenous worlds in terms of development goals for the Amazon region.