Biosphere reserves and the conservation of traditional land use systems of indigenous populations in Central America
The remaining extensive tracts of tropical rainforest in Central America are also the territory of indigenous groups which maintain their traditional stewardship of the earth and its resources. These forests and indigenous cultures are currently threatened by development projects, commercial enterprises, uncontrolled colonization and military actions as well as internal influences that are forcing a transition on the indigenous societies. National governments have designated portions of these forests as biosphere reserves: the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve in Honduras, La Amistad (Talamanca) Biosphere Reserve in Costa Rica and the Darien Biosphere Reserve in Panama. The application of this management category is demonstrating the connection between the conservation of representative samples of biogeographical provinces and harmonious man/land relationships, and provides opportunities for scientific research and monitoring, education and training, and regional cooperation. Nevertheless, several issues remain to be resolved: the conservation objectives versus the indigenous concerns for legal possession of their traditional lands, rights to natural resources, and cultural autonomy. These issues may be resolved through a fuller participation of indigenous communities in decisions which affect their land and resources, cooperatively developed technical assistance and training, as well as proggrams designed and administered by indigenous communities. All efforts in biosphere reserve management with indigenous peoples must recognize their traditional stewardship, knowledge and cultural investment in sustainable development.
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
Atlanta, Georgia (EUA)
1989
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| Subjects: | INDIGENAS, RESERVA DE LA BIOSFERA, AMERICA CENTRAL, |
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