Lacandon Maya ecosystem management: sustainable design for subsistence and environmental restoration

• DOI: 10.1890/08-0176.1
• Publication Date: 2009-02-17T23:41:54Z
• Authors: Stewart A. W. Die...; Jay F. Martin
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 2. Zero hunger; Conservation of Natural Resources; Central America; Plants; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; Soil; Population Groups; Humans; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring

Indigenous groups have designed and managed their ecosystems for generations, resulting in biodiversity protection while producing family's needs. Here we describe the agroecosystem of Lacandon Maya, an indigenous group who live Chiapas, Mexico. The practice a form swidden agriculture that conserves surrounding rain forest ecosystem cycling majority land through five successional stages. These stages include herbaceous stage, two shrub stages, A portion is kept primary forest. This study presents traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) agroforestry quantitatively describes plant community associated soil ecology each stage. Also documented regarding immediate use species useful fertility enhancement. Woody diversity increases during system, by beginning first similar to In all 60% available food, medicine, raw materials. Approximately 45% woody present fallow stage were thought enhance fertility. Total nitrogen organic matter increased with time from intentional burn. Nutrient nematode dynamics related presence introduced plants, indicating engineered enhancement Lacandon. effects on coupled productivity agricultural subsistence indicate TEK may offer tools environmental conservation would provide basic needs maintaining biodiverse ecosystem. Tools such as these options regional restoration efforts Mesoamerican Biological Corridor Mexico Central America, where attainment goals must methods resources local inhabitants.