The integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge for the
conservation of the Amazonian rivers in Peru
Abstract
The rivers in the Peruvian Amazon basin are the veins that feed the
largest rainforest on the planet. They connect habitats and ecosystems
and are considered a source of high biodiversity. Since before the
conquest, many indigenous peoples have settled along riverbanks to be
supplied with water, food, and many other ecosystem services.
Furthermore, the Amazonian rivers have been the basis for the
sociability of those population groups. For many years, the indigenous
riverine people, such as the Kukama and the Shipibo-Conibo, have
developed an empirical knowledge about the rivers from their coexistence
and lifestyle. Therefore, indigenous communities have learned how to be
adapted under the physical dynamics by shaping their culture. It
evidenced the great understanding of rivers that communities developed
over the years, endowed with affective and spiritual links, which has
allowed them to be preserved for many years. As part of a scientific
study of the hydrogeomorphological characteristics of the main Peruvian
Amazonian rivers, it was considered important to involve indigenous
perceptions and knowledge. Recognizing these views is necessary for a
holistic understanding of rivers; however, these have been absent from
the plans and projects developed by government institutions. “River
Stories” (https://www.historiasdelrio.com) is a digital storytelling
platform that supports the dissemination of indigenous cosmovision in
terms of experiences, in which the knowledge, memory and spirituality
are displayed. It hosts more than 100 stories from indigenous people
(including children and teenagers), students, local authorities, and
scientists that reveal the importance of rivers in their daily life. In
this way, different perspectives of the rivers from science, civil
society, and the indigenous worldview are exchanged. Integrating this
knowledge is essential to highlight the vital role that rivers play at
the social, cultural and environmental areas. This, especially in the
current context, where multiple threats, such as infrastructure and
energy projects, put Amazonian rivers at risk.