Protegiendo sus valores culturales, biodiversidad y tierra: área protegida de Kuna Yala

The Protected Wilderness of Kuna Yala is a natural area with primitive ecosystems and great biodiversity. Management of the area is shared by the government and the indigenous territories that enjoy administrative autonomy and can decide on local administrative affairs. The traditional political system of the Kuna people is based on democratic participation. Each community debates on a daily basis various aspects of the social, economic, political and spiritual life in the village. Debates are run by representatives of the communities and both traditionalists and local leaders actively take part.The traditional knowledge of the Kuna people regarding biodiversity and its use are gradually being lost. The Kuna culture is closely linked to the natural world, and their concept of the conservation of wildlife is enshrined in their oral tradition, their historical memory and their use of traditional medicine. Most of this work is devoted to biodiversity and land use in the Kuna Yala region. Finally, this work discusses some of the main challenges and threats facing the region, and provides a number of answers and conclusions.