Ganado y galeones. Elementos para una historia ambiental de Panamá

Abstract

Environmental History studies the interactions between human societics and the natural world. and the consequences for both along time. A framework for the study of these intcractions in Panama. in order to facilitate the comprehension of the origins of the environmental problems the country faces today. After a general characterization of the ecoregions of the Isthmus. the environmental impact of the main successive human strategics of relation with the natural world is examined, from the original population and the transition to agricultura, to the European irruption in the country's ecosistems and the development of an interoceanic transit based economy. In each case. the analysis is refened to the technologies and social relations involved. their expressions in the cultural perceptions of nature, and the ways of organizing the territory.