Human Impacts on Amazonia: The Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Conservation and Development

Featuring contributions by environmental scientists, botanists, anthropologists, and others, this volume explores historic and contemporary visions of Amazonia and the effects of human development in the region. The collection reveals the long history of cultural and biological destruction in the Amazonian ecosystem, particularly by outsiders. Standing in stark contrast to the environmental exploitation practiced by these interests, native Amazonians have successfully utilized and conserved the land around them, from the pre-Columbian era to the present. The unmistakable imprint of these indigenous inhabitants is reflected in the forests, savannas, hills, and streams of the Amazon Basin, which for them serve as homes, gardens, and hunting reserves, as well as spiritual and sacred spaces. Therefore, collaboration with native Amazonians is critical to avoiding further ruin of this unique part of the world’s biological and cultural heritage. Human Impacts on Amazonia is a fascinating and important book for anyone concerned with the history, development, conservation, and protection of the Amazon Valley.