Relational knowledge systems and their impact on management of mountain ecosystems: Approaches to understanding the motivations and expectations of traditional farmers in the maintenance of biodiversity zones in the Andes

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how Andean knowledge and culture have shaped mountain ecosystems by building cultural landscapes where agrobiodiversity is created and recreated, water is domesticated (seeded and harvested), and where a harmonious relationship with the Earth and the Universe is kept.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the use of primary and secondary sources, the information is then organized detailing a synthesis of thoughts and joint research studies conducted by various authors regarding the valuable contributions made by the Andean culture.

Findings

This paper finds that strategies for facing the ecological crisis affecting planet Earth are being developed: the Pleiades and the Andean Cross continue to be observed in order to predict the weather and climate and make decisions related to traditional agricultural systems; cultural landscapes are being created and maintained; and water continues to be domesticated.

Originality/value

The tropical Andes of Peru would be in the third country most affected by global climate change worldwide. The severe impacts of the global phenomenon on mountain ecosystems and cultural landscapes are many, all of which are affecting food security of large human groups and traditional lifestyles of communities and farmers.

Citation

Pajares Garay, E. and Llosa Larrabure, J. (2011), "Relational knowledge systems and their impact on management of mountain ecosystems: Approaches to understanding the motivations and expectations of traditional farmers in the maintenance of biodiversity zones in the Andes", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 213-232. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831111113392