Tipping points in Amazonian socio-ecological systems: imagining alternative futures with rural youths in Acre State (Brazil) and Pando (Bolivia)

Abstract

Amazonian ecosystems have been put under pressure by deep transformations resulting from continuous extractivism expansion, which tends to form tipping points in their socio-ecological systems. This complex issue is closely linked to contemporary Western-Modern culture, which allows humans to dominate, extract and extinguish non-human lives by classifying them as objectified “existences” generically represented by the term “nature”. The aim of the current study is to investigate these phenomena at local level, as well as possibilities of developing solutions in the cultural field, through educational interventions carried out with young students in two Amazonian rural schools: one in Acre State (Brazil) and the other in Pando department (Bolivia). This exploratory research was guided by a non-modern approach focused on finding the answer to the following question: What alternatives can Amazonian rural youth facing trends towards regional socio-ecological changes envision?”. The adopted methodology comprised a seminar held in the form of participatory workshop in each school, as well as semi-structured interviews conducted with all participants. The current findings present participants' perceptions about the quality of their places and life projects, as well as their thoughts about alternatives to the ongoing changes. They also point out likely explanations for differences observed in socio-ecological systems between Acre and Pando; participants’ perceptions about solutions, antidotes and transition designs for the current socio-ecological tipping points in the Amazonian region; as well as opportunities for, and limitations of, non-modern educational interventions in this context.