Lacandón Maya in the twenty-first century : indigenous knowledge and conservation in Mexico's tropical rainforest / James D. Nations ; foreword by Diane Z. Chase and Arlen F. Chase.

Lacandón Maya in the twenty-first century : indigenous knowledge and conservation in Mexico's tropical rainforest / James D. Nations ; foreword by Diane Z. Chase and Arlen F. Chase.

9780813072937 electronic book
081307293X electronic book
9780813070568 electronic book
0813070562 electronic book
9780813069784 hardcover
9780813080246 paperback

Gainesville : University Press of Florida, [2023]

©2023

English

1 online resource

F1221.L2 N38 2023

SOC002010 NAT011000

305.897/427

"This book tells the story of how Lacando̹n Maya families have adapted to the contemporary world while applying their ancestral knowledge to create an ecologically sustainable future in Mexico's largest remaining tropical rainforest"-- Provided by publisher.
"From the ancient traditions of the Lacando̹n Maya comes an Indigenous model for a sustainable futureHaving lived for centuries isolated within Mexico's largest remaining tropical rainforest, the Indigenous Lacando̹n Maya now live at the nexus of two worlds-ancient and modern. While previous research has focused on documenting Lacando̹n oral traditions and religious practices in order to preserve them, this book tells the story of how Lacando̹n families have adapted to the contemporary world while applying their ancestral knowledge to create an ecologically sustainable future.Drawing on his 49 years of studying and learning from the Lacando̹n Maya, James Nations discusses how in the midst of external pressures such as technological changes, missionary influences, and logging ventures, Lacando̹n communities are building an economic system of agroforestry and ecotourism that produces income for their families while protecting biodiversity and cultural resources. Nations describes methods they use to plant and harvest without harming the forest, illustrating that despite drastic changes in lifestyle, respect for the environment continues to connect Lacando̹n families across generations. By helping with these tasks and inheriting the fables and myths that reinforce this worldview, Lacando̹n children continue to learn about the plants, animals, and spiritual deities that coexist in their land.Indigenous peoples such as the Lacando̹n Maya control one-third of the intact forest landscapes left on Earth, and Indigenous knowledge and practices are increasingly recognized as key elements in the survival of the planet's biological diversity. The story of the Lacando̹n Maya serves as a model for Indigenous-controlled environmental conservation, and it will inform anyone interested in supporting sustainable Indigenous futures. A volume in the series Maya Studies, edited by Diane Z. Chase and Arlen F. Chase"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Access limited to authorized users.

Description based on online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on November 13, 2024).

Online Resources > Ebooks
All Resources