Biocultural Diversity as a Tool for the Conservation of Panul Community Park
Abstract
This study is set in the municipality of La Florida, where there is strong urban expansion on the Andean piedmont, particularly driven by large-scale private real estate projects. In this municipality, a community conservation initiative seeks to consolidate a community park in a sector of the precordillera known as Panul, which consists mainly of two private estates — Panul (formerly Viña Tarapacá) and Zavala — where various private companies have sought at different stages to expand the urbanized area.
There is thus a conflict of interests between the community conservation initiative and the real estate interests of private developers. The organized community proposes the creation of a community park to preserve the space, where management and decision-making would be led by those who care about its conservation and its users.
This work analyzed the biocultural diversity of Panul in order to gain a deeper understanding of the values and relationships different users maintain with their environment, and to provide greater depth and perspective to community planning. Four methodological steps were carried out: identifying Panul stakeholders through web searches and non-participant observations; identifying their spatial practices through non-participant observations, surveys, and interviews; understanding their biocultural perceptions through surveys, interviews, and content analysis; and finally, analyzing biocultural diversity and its relationship to conservation through synthesis of prior results and a literature review.
The results reveal the existence of two main biocultural profiles. The first is characterized by a strong sense of belonging and commitment to the conservation of the space, while the second shows less commitment and interest in the conservation of Panul.
This research provides relevant background for the planning and management of Panul Community Park by organized local actors. Furthermore, the results help to understand the value and importance of Panul beyond its biophysical characteristics and ecosystem services, thereby guiding public policy by municipal and state authorities that gives value to social relationships and environmental education.
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