Pedagogical alternative for the conservation of the nature

Abstract

Trees are meaningful references for the encounter of people from different cultural venues. In this sense they represent an opportunity for the creation of intercultural spaces that, meanwhile promote the protection of the native forest. Such is the conclusion of the pedagogical alternative “Speaking about trees and forests” seminar held on 2014 in Coñaripe, a small city by the lake Calafquén, and that for almost a century was the heart of the timber industry that devastated the region. The call was addressed to Chilean and Mapuche residents and had the trees as the focus of the reflection. Participants shared their memories, knowledge and affects concerning different tree and bush species that are part of their landscape. The pedagogical alternative integrates social communication and anthropology, identifying the living practices that favor forest conservation without excluding human populations. The discussions allow identifying cultural strategic species and practices and their impact on the native forest.