Eco-geographical vision of the mayan itzaes: survey of the Bioitzá Reserve, Petén, Guatemala
An eco-geographic study is presented relating to two localities that are inhabited by the mayan itzaes, where the Bioitza reservation is located, a conservation reserve, in central Petén, Guatemala. Through a participatory research, surveys and field observations, a regional geographic basis is elab...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
2013-02-01
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| Series: | Investigaciones Geográficas |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.investigacionesgeograficas.unam.mx/index.php/rig/article/view/28218 |
| Summary: | An eco-geographic study is presented relating to two localities that are inhabited by the mayan itzaes, where the Bioitza reservation is located, a conservation reserve, in central Petén, Guatemala. Through a participatory research, surveys and field observations, a regional geographic basis is elaborated and included in a Geographic Information System (GIS). An altitudinal model is generated that includes the itzaes knowledge of a topographic profile, showing five landscape units: primary and secondary vegetation, agriculture, livestock and water bodies. From a section of a locally elaborated itza-map, species of vegetation are identified, as well as fauna and water resources with different uses, importance and historical links. This local territorial vision is interpreted as a system-region, integrated by environmental (abiotic and biotic) and social subsystems. The research demonstrates that it is feasible to integrate cartographic information and itza knowledge which represents a territorial expression of species’ cultural value, for generating precise maps of territorial order or any other purpose. It also contributes to a spatial analysis of research about earth usage knowledge and landscape transformation by the Indian groups in tropical ecosystems. |
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| ISSN: | 0188-4611 2448-7279 |