History of the thought of ethnogeomorphology in Brazil: an analysis of the origin of the concept and possible applications

Abstract

Ethnosciences have gained visibility in the construction of scientific knowledge based on local wisdom. In this regard, the concept of ethnogeomorphology should be highlighter, as in Brazil it has emerged as a new study topic that is added to classical academic geomorphology. Traditional communities over time have used several means and tools for food production, both subsistence and cash crop and, therefore, established a particular understanding of the physical/natural environment, in which they have accumulated experiences through their living practices. The furthering of this theme is essential as a mechanism to assist spatial planning and manegement decision making concerning the natural resources available to these communities. Both in Brazil and abroad, the ethnogeomorphological approach values and recognizes local knowledge and tries to understand the geomorphological dynamics of the landscape based on the practices of rural producers. This perspective allows the feed-backing of applied studies proposals aimed at land use management and planning, as well as the conservation of soils and geoforms that make up the landscapes.