Las especies nativas y la deforestación en los Andes. Una visión histórica, social y cultural en Cochabamba, Bolivia

Abstract

Native species and deforestation in the Andean region —an historical, social and cultural vision in Cochabamba, Bolivia Abstract This paper presents the results of field observations and informal conversations with the local campesinos over a period of 3 years, supplemented by a large bibliographic review. Through an historical, social and cultural reconstruction, it tries to demostrate the regressive dynamic of the Andean vegetation, especially in the Cochabamba region, Bolivia. The remaining forests, the XVI and XVII century chronicles, explorers' accounts and the results of contemporary researchers let us imagine how the vegetation could be. An analysis of the human use of rural areas by Andean societies in the valleys and highlands, from prehistory to our time serves as the basis of the interpretation of the causes of alarming deforestation. Population increase, pressure of livestock, the role of the mines, the construction of the railways and their influences on native vegetation, are discussed. The impact of chicha trade, land tenure and the numerous wars on the environmental degradation are also considered. This knowledge contributes to the developement of ideas for future technical or social interventions to restrain or reverse deforestation.