SOCIOECOLOGICAL REPRESENTATIONS OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN A HIGH ANDEAN LAGOON IN SOUTHERN PERU
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31413/nat.v14i3.21188Keywords:
Biodiversity, Andean worldview, Puna ecoregion, Local perception, Sustainability, ApurimacAbstract
This study analyzes the socio-ecological representations of ecosystem services associated with Laguna Qorina, a high-Andean ecosystem located in Haquira, southern Peru. A qualitative-interpretive approach was adopted, and a purposive sample of 36 key informants was selected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using ATLAS.ti 23 through reflective thematic analysis. This process included familiarization with the corpus, inductive coding, the construction and revision of themes, and subsequent organization of the findings into the dimensions of ecosystem services. Corpus sufficiency was assessed through thematic saturation, and traceability was evaluated through cross-referencing codes and categories. Supporting services were represented by biodiversity, species habitat, and soil capacity, associated with concerns about pollution and climate change. Provisioning services included water availability, animal husbandry, food, and medicinal resources, revealing a differentiated water dependency among the lagoon, springs, and natural water sources. Regulating services encompassed water cycles and management, pest control, sanitation, and soil fertility in the face of climate variability. Cultural services included rituals, festivities, recreation, heritage, and community activities, demonstrating both continuity and transformation of local practices. It is concluded that these representations transcend conventional categories and integrate nature, production, management, and sociocultural meanings, which are relevant for participatory and culturally situated territorial management.
Keywords: biodiversity; Andean worldview; high Andean ecosystems; territorial management; local perception; sustainability.
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