Biocultural homogenization in elementary education degree students from contrasting ecoregions of Chile

Abstract
Biocultural homogenization is a wicked problem that implies the loss of biological and cultural diversity at differentscales. It is promoted by globalized one-dimensional ways of thinking that ignore the biophysical and cultural singularities of theheterogeneous regions of the planet. In Chile, we find ecoregions as diverse as the arid Norte Grande, the semi-arid MediterraneanMetropolitan region, and the temperate rainforests in the south. We studied the perceptions that elementary education degree students(EEDS) have regarding the flora and fauna (co-inhabitants), their environments (habitats), and their daily customs or activities (habits)in these three ecoregions. We distributed 72 questionnaires to students from 3 universities in 2021, asking them about co-inhabitants,habitats, and habits. We identified similarities and differences between the responses. Similarities were associated with bioculturalhomogenization processes evidenced by the prevalence of vertebrate animals and vascular plants, or introduced species, such as domesticanimals, and cultivated plants for edible, ornamental, and medicinal purposes. Differences were associated with biocultural conservationprocesses such as the collection of native species of mushrooms, plants and animals for food use, or the knowledge of ritual celebrationstypical of their localities. We propose that teaching study programs should aim to redirect biocultural homogenization processes towardbiocultural conservation processes. That way teachers can play a key role in teaching future generations to learn and value both localand scientific knowledge about the diversity of co-inhabitants, habitats, and the life habits in each of their ecoregions.
Description
Keywords
Biocultural ethics, Biodiversity perceptions, Everyday aesthetics, Extinction of experience, Teacher education
Citation
Méndez-Herranz, M., J. T. Ibarra, R. Rozzi, and G. Marini. 2023. Biocultural homogenization in elementary education degree students from contrasting ecoregions of Chile. Ecology and Society 28(2):18. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-14080-280218