¿Y vos, creés en La Pachamama? Naturaleza(s) otra(s) y saberes locales: una aproximación a las relaciones socio-naturales y cosmovisión de la Comunidad originaria Kolla Kondorwaira

Abstract

This work presents the results of a doctoral research undertaken between 2017 – 2021 in the native community Kolla Kondorwaira of Potrero de Castilla, located in the Salta Province, north-western Argentina. Through the use of Participatory Action-Research methodology (PAR) and Knowledge Dialogue we have been able to ascertain that this community has a way of inhabiting, signifying, and managing their territory which expresses the existence of other nature(s) or socio-natural relationships that are established outside of a logic of dominance and market exchange with regards to natural resources. It is through these relationships that the Kondorwaira community resists, persists, and outlines, through different forms of action and projects, new life horizons. These point towards the good management of their natural resources, and a future where justice and dignity are the common denominator both for the younger generations that will inherit this legacy, as well as for the rest of the people that make up the community. This experience allows us to argue that this cosmovision, and the presence and recognition of local knowledge makes a significant contribution towards the integrated management of territories, and that therefore, these must be considered when it comes to promote initiatives that aim at sustainable development.