Indigenous peoples and the future of Amazonia
Subtitle: an ecological anthropology of an endangered world
By: edited by Leslie E. Sponsel.
Contributors: Sponsel, Leslie E. 1943-
Series: Arizona studies in human ecology
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
Published: 1995
Place of publication: Tucson
Language: eng
Number of pages: 312
Subjects: Human ecology -- Amazon River Region.; Ethnology -- Amazon River Region -- Methodology.; Indians of South America -- Amazon River Region -- Social conditions.; Biotic communities -- Amazon River Region.; Biological diversity -- Amazon River Region.; Amazon River Region -- Environmental conditions.
Other titles: Indigenous peoples & the future of Amazonia
Description: This timely book provides the first examination of the relationship between cultural and environmental variation in the Amazon, with special reference to the survival and welfare of indigenous societies. The particular strength of this collection is that it emphasizes ongoing changing elements rather than static ones in Amazonian human ecology in the context of colonization.

Leslie Sponsel and twelve other contributors, including archaeologists, biological anthropologists, cultural ecologists, and nutritionists, review traditional and changing adaptations of indigenous societies to Amazonian ecosystems; they analyze the challenges presented to indigenes by the massive cultural and environmental impact of Westernization. They also discuss the applications of research results to the needs, interests, and priorities of indigenous societies.

In his concluding chapter, Sponsel calls for anthropologists to contribute through their research to the empowerment of indigenous communities and organizations. "In the Amazon the only people who already know and practice ecologically sound economies are most indigenous societies. Documenting their ecologically sound values, knowledge, and technology is one of the most important tasks for cultural ecology."
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.