From Fruit Trees to Profits: An Exploration Into the Complexities of Indigenous Peoples Influenced Landscapes

Indigenous peoples influenced landscapes are among the most contested in Latin America. These landscapes attract a host of investors, including loggers, gold miners, and cattle farmers. The arrival of investors invariably leads to the removal of forests, bringing profits from within these spaces, at the expense of the landscapes’ intrinsic value. In this talk, Anthony Cummings provides insights into his ongoing research into the intrinsic value Guyana’s indigenous peoples have created within their landscapes. Using data and evidence obtained in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, the talk examines the distribution of ecosystem services, swidden agriculture plot change processes and wildlife associations within Indigenous peoples influenced landscapes and how they may be impacted by investment.

This lecture is offered in a hybrid format on Zoom and in-person for Princeton University ID holders only. Registration is required to attend.