The Native Landscape: Origin and Destiny of Humanity

Ivonne Walls tells us about the importance of preserving the ancestral origins of native landscapes and their impact in the actual context in The Native Landscape: Origin and Destiny of Humanity.

The word native means belonging to or relating to the country or place of birth. In every corner of our planet, the native landscape stands as a testimony to the natural, cultural and spiritual richness of the different regions. These landscapes, shaped over centuries by natural forces and in some cases by human intervention, are much more than a stage for wildlife: they materialize, in essence, the living expression of the interaction between the earth and the beings that inhabit it.

A native landscape is distinguished by its authenticity, as it is preserved mostly in its natural state, free of significant modifications by human beings. When talking about native landscapes, we can mention, for example, the vast fields of the Argentine pampas, the Amazon jungles of South America, deserts such as the Sahara or the boreal forests of Canada. All these environments have extraordinary biodiversity and are the basis of the ecological balance of our planet. 

Enmarcado por Dios / Framed by God
Fotografía / Photography: Ryller Chrystian de Andrade Veríssimo

One of the most notable aspects of native landscapes is their role as a habitat for a wide variety of animal and plant species. These natural spaces are a refuge for endemic species, that is, those that can only be found in a specific region and that contribute to the biological uniqueness of the place. For example, the Sonoran Desert in Mexico is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, a plant that plays a vital role in the desert ecosystem by providing food and shelter for numerous species.

In a world that is experiencing accelerated changes due to human action, native landscapes act as reservoirs of biodiversity. By preserving these sites, the survival of numerous species that would otherwise be endangered or would have already disappeared is guaranteed. In certain places such as the Amazon, there are millions of species of flora and fauna that have not yet been discovered. This biological diversity is not only crucial for the balance of the local ecosystem, but also for reducing the negative effects of climate change globally.

Salinas en Zapotitlán de las Salinas / Salinas in Zapotitlán de las Salinas
Fotografía / Photography: Esteban D. Saavedra

However, beyond their ecological relevance, native landscapes have immense cultural value. Throughout history, indigenous and native communities have forged a deep connection with these territories. Mountains, rivers, forests, and plains are not simply resources; They are sacred places, steeped in history and symbolism, with a unique meaning for their inhabitants. 

In the worldview of many indigenous peoples, the landscape is a living being, with a spirit and energy of its own, where the earth, the stars and natural phenomena are considered and venerated as deities that protect and determine the destiny of human beings. The ceremonies and rituals dedicated to them reflect a way of understanding the world where nature and man form an interdependent unit. This vision challenges the Western conception of nature as something external to the human being and promotes a relationship of respect and reciprocity between the two.

The loss of native landscapes not only poses a threat to biodiversity, but also to the preservation of ancestral knowledge about the use of medicinal plants, sustainable cultivation practices, and conservation methods that could be crucial in the search for solutions to current and future environmental problems. Thus, the preservation of these landscapes not only benefits the ecosystem, but also allows for the preservation of invaluable cultural wisdom. 

El Pedregal: Fragmento de Lava, Refugio de Biodiversidad / El Pedregal: Lava Fragment, Refuge of Biodiversity
Fotografía / Photography: Ángel Velázquez Pérez

In a reality where the world without exception suffers the negative effects derived from climate change, native landscapes fulfill an essential function as lungs that absorb carbon and transform it into oxygen. Forests, wetlands, oceans, and other natural ecosystems capture and store large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate global warming. In fact, it is estimated that tropical forests, such as the Amazon, capture up to 25% of the carbon emitted by human activities each year. 

However, native landscapes are also highly vulnerable to the effects of this phenomenon. Alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns can trigger phenomena such as forest fires, droughts and the destruction of habitats, threatening both the species that inhabit these environments and the communities that depend on them. The management and conservation of native landscapes is presented, therefore, as a fundamental strategic tool in the fight against climate change and in adapting to its inevitable effects.

In addition, the protection of these natural environments is essential to ensure access to critical resources, such as clean water. Forests and other ecosystems act as natural water filtration systems, purifying and regulating its flow into rivers and aquifers. Deforestation and degradation of these landscapes not only harms biodiversity, but also puts at risk the supply of water (an essential element for life) for millions of people. 

Nenúfares y rocas / Water Lilies and rocks
Fotografía / Photography: Jesús Enrique Muñoz Castrejón

Tourism in native landscapes can be a powerful tool for conservation, if it is done responsibly and sustainably. Ecotourism destinations, such as the Galapagos Islands, Yellowstone National Park, or the glaciers of Patagonia, attract thousands of visitors each year, generating income that can be reinvested in protecting these natural environments. In addition, ecotourism makes it possible to raise awareness among visitors about the importance of preserving these spaces, promoting a deeper and more respectful connection with nature. 

However, visitor access to these sites can also be a threat to native landscapes if not properly managed. The construction of infrastructure, the generation of waste and the disturbance of fauna are just some of the negative impacts that tourism can have in these places. Therefore, it is essential to implement sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental and social impact, and that involve local communities in the management and conservation of their territories.

In conclusion, the native landscape represents much more than an aesthetic or economic resource. It is an expression of the biological, cultural, and spiritual diversity of our planet, a reminder of our intimate and fundamental connection to the earth. Protecting these landscapes is a shared responsibility, not only to guarantee the survival of species and ecosystems, but also to preserve ancestral knowledge and face the environmental challenges of our time.

Protecting native landscapes is a shared responsibility, not only to guarantee the survival of species and ecosystems, but also to preserve ancestral knowledge and face the environmental challenges of our time.

Verde Milenario: El alma nativa del Jardín Oaxaqueño / Milenary Green: The Native Soul of the Oaxacan Garden
Fotografía / Photography: Eduardo Alberto Guzmán Barrón

Every effort counts. From reforestation and ecosystem restoration initiatives to the promotion of conservation policies by governments. There are multiple ways to contribute to the preservation of these natural environments, always remembering that, by caring for native landscapes, we not only protect our common home, but also honor and maintain the wisdom of our ancestors who, for generations, have understood that nature is not a resource to be exploited, but a gift that we must preserve and guard to improve the lives of present generations and leave a legacy of well-being and sustainability for future generations.