Forestación peridoméstica en Patagonia y conocimiento ecológico tradicional: un estudio de caso
The Patagoniansteppe is a cultural landscape which is constantly being recreated by man. In this case study, peridomestic forestation oftree species was analysed in a small community, including the richness of plants used and the reasons behind their choice.In the Mapuche population of Pilkiniyeu del Limay (Río Negro) free and semi-structured interviews were carried out with28 interviewees. The data was analysed using both uni- and multivariate methods. Results indicate that nine exotic speciesare used. These forested areas, used for meetings and recreation, provide useful living space and are of great socialimportance. The principal motivation behind this forestation is the need for materials for building fences (96%), toprovide shelter from the elements (86%), firewood (43%), and cattle fodder (11%). The MSD revealed a shared valuesystem with respect to the forestation. The traditional ecological knowledge that people use in the selection and use offirewood species does not seem to have an influence on choices made when planting trees around their homes. This couldindicate that forestation is a general practice deeply rooted and influenced by the oblique transmission carried out byexternal agriculture agents who visit and offer help to this community.