Transformaciones territoriales en la Amazonía: indígenas, campesinos, fronteras y colonización/ Territorial transformations in the Amazon: indigenous, peasants, borders and colonization

Abstract

This article analyses the main issues related with the expansion of the agricultural frontier in the Ecuadorian rainforest, emphasizing oil extraction impacts in the northeast region since 1960. Oil extraction, land colonization, the expansion of agro-processing and wood industries influenced the discourse of “Empty Territory Rainforest”. The article also points out the role of indigenous and peasant economies in capital expansion, as well as the integration of their land to the inner market and State ownership. Thereafter, colonization flows and their cumulative effects over the population dynamics is promoting “urbanization” of the Ecuadorian rainforest. In this context, the indigenous people, as well as human settlements, both affected by the environmental impacts of oil industry, remain as agents subordinated to and excluded from “development”. Lastly, the articles in Journal “EUTOPIA”, No. 12 edition, of FLACSO-ECUADOR are introduced.