This thesis examines the relationship between the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of Amazonian communities and their sustainable indigenous architecture. Over centuries, these communities have profoundly influenced the Amazon rainforests through their distinctive lifestyles, cultural practices, and ancestral knowledge. My research delves into their nomadic traditions, cultural significance, farming techniques, and understanding of life cycles. By exploring these elements and advocating for the restoration of their traditional ways of living, we can foster forest regrowth and biodiversity, ultimately enhancing the health and purpose of our forested areas.
This study seeks to identify commonalities among different communities and understand how their ecological knowledge can aid the modern world in addressing deforestation and maintaining ecological balance. By integrating this traditional wisdom with contemporary practices, we can develop strategies to combat environmental degradation and support sustainable development. The insights gained from this research can contribute to more effective conservation efforts and promote a deeper appreciation of the invaluable role that indigenous knowledge plays in preserving our natural environment. / Master of Architecture / Every minute on our planet, approximately 2,800 trees are lost. This alarming rate of deforestation has serious consequences for our environment. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle, storing carbon, and providing habitats for countless species. If we don't address deforestation, we could lose all the trees on Earth within the next 50 to 60 years. Among the deforested land around the globe, the amazon region has the highest percentage of destruction. The factors include illegal mining, logging, poaching, commercial plantation etc.
Over centuries, the Amazonian Indigenous communities have shaped the Amazon rainforests through their unique lifestyles, cultural practices, and ancestral knowledge. My research aims to delve into various aspects of their lives and the connection, role between the communities and the ecosystem around them. By gaining insight into these aspects and working to restore their traditional ways of living, we can promote forest regrowth and biodiversity, ultimately improving the overall health and purpose of our forests.
There is also scientific evidence explaining the phenomenon of cloud formation in the Amazon basin, referred to as the "Flying River." The indigenous communities of amazon created a type of soil which is dark, anthropogenic soil which is called Black soil. The black soil or Terra Preta is the most fertile soil on the planet today and surprisingly it is man made. Similarly, researchers believe that TPA of amazon region is achieved by the intervention of indigenous communities rather than natural agents like insects and birds that would help in formation of forest lands. This thesis talks about the correlation between different environmental phenomenon that occurs in the forest and the communities protecting them.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/119241 |
| Date | 03 June 2024 |
| Creators | Jami, Raj Kumar |
| Contributors | Architecture, Borunda Monsivais, Luis Ricardo, Hauptman, Jonas, Benitez, Myrian |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
Page generated in 0.0019 seconds