The natural and social geography of Araucaria araucana

Abstract

This thesis assesses the relation of human activities to the distribution and conservation of Araucaria araucana, a long-lived conifer found in the Andes of southem South America. It also considers the experience of two indigenous communities. Specifically, it analyzes their use of the tree, changes in this use, their reactions to these changes, and their interest in promoting the conservation of A. araucaria in particular and the environment in general. This introductory chapter outlines the conceptual questions addressed in this thesis: environmental conservation and indigenous peoples, and - indigenous territorial autonomy within protected areas. The actual nature of the study, including specific objectives, data collection and organization, and methodology, are discussed in the following chapter. . .