Socio-ecological changes in the Southern Andes: Transformations in Pewenche seasonality

What the paper says

Climate change has a direct impact on the seasons. These changes can significantly impact communities living in close interdependence with their territories, such as Indigenous Peoples. Furthermore, these impacts are often entangled and reinforced by other ecological and social processes that affect how communities organise themselves. Drawing from ethnographic research complemented by the life story of a Pewenche woman, this article analyses the intertwined effects of climate change and state policy on the knowledge and seasonality of the Pewenche People in the Southern Andes, Chile. As a result of extensive exploitation of the territory, the implementation of development programmes and the current impacts of climate change, the Pewenche are facing numerous changes that directly affect the rhythms and frequencies that have historically shaped the seasons while impacting their activities, livelihoods and traditions. Their transhumance cycles have been affected, and their economies and calendars must adjust to the new rhythms imposed by state policy. The multiple seasonalities that come into play affect how the Pewenche identify themselves, construct meanings about social life, and position themselves vis-à-vis the state. A reflection on what it means to be Pewenche today has been opened. The bewilderment calls for action and policies that recognise the value of traditional ecological knowledge in fostering resilience and maintaining cultural identity, can respond to the changes and, at the same time, maintain the balance.