Atlantic Forest Landscapes: Nature-Cultures through Space and Time

Abstract

Landscapes have a long history of being shaped by human activities, leaving lasting imprints that persist into the 21st century. However, the last few centuries have witnessed an unprecedented transformation, as evidenced by the emergence of the Anthropocene. In this current epoch, it is undeniable that every landscape bears some degree of human influence, particularly in light of the ecological ramifications of global climate change. These human imprints on landscapes vary in their spatial reach and intensity of land use. Some are easily discernible, such as the striking rice terraces in Southeast Asia or the sprawling cities that have emerged on every continent. Others are more subtle, but no less significant, like the microscopic presence of microplastics in the milk of Indian cows or the traces of mercury found in the rivers of the most remote sections of the Brazilian Amazon Forest. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest Biome has undergone profound transformations, especially since the arrival of Portuguese colonizers, but even prior to that, when the first human inhabitants settled in the region. The landscapes within the Atlantic Forest have always incorporated a human and cultural aspect, dating back to the time when the shellmound builders arrived approximately 8,000 years ago. These early inhabitants left indelible marks on the landscape that can still be observed today. However, it is the more recent historical events that have left the most visible signs of culture imprinted in the landscapes. Abandoned coffee farms and remnants of old charcoal production sites stand as tangible reminders of past human activities within the Atlantic Forest. The colonization of Brazil has profoundly transformed the Atlantic Forest over the past five centuries. Diverse populations with distinct perceptions of nature and land-management practices have engaged with the forested environments in different regions of the Atlantic Forest biome. Landscapes serve as historical records that mirror the socioeconomic and cultural interactions with a physical dimension. Indigenous, Afro-Brazilian, and European knowledge systems and practices have all contributed to the formation of these landscapes, although it is crucial to acknowledge the violent colonial legacy that has shaped the country’s history. Therefore, the Atlantic Forest is shaped by human and nonhuman agencies, including diverse cultural influences (caiçara, quilombola, indigenous and rural livelihoods), that rearranged native species composition, including the introduction of exotic species. This has resulted in a patchwork of unique cultural landscapes within the biome, highlighting the interconnectedness between human populations and the forested environment. In essence, landscapes across the globe have been shaped by human activities, with the intensity and extent of these transformations increasing in recent centuries. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest Biome serves as a prime example of this phenomenon, with its rich history of human occupation and cultural influences evident in the landscape. While both subtle and overt imprints are present across the landscapes, it is the vestiges of recent historical events that emerge as prominent markers of human presence and activity within the contemporary cultural landscapes.