Ethnogeology in Amazonia: Surface-water systems in the Colombian Amazon, from perspectives of Uitoto traditional knowledge and mainstream hydrology

Abstract

Ethnogeology, the scientific study of geological knowledge of groups such as indigenous peoples, can be combined with mainstream geological sciences to enhance our understanding of Earth systems. The Amazon rain forest has been extensively studied by both mainstream scientists and indigenous researchers. We argue that knowledge of Amazonian geology and hydrology held by indigenous Uitoto experts is valid, empirically based, and, in many cases, more nuanced than mainstream scientific knowledge. We also argue that knowledge sharing between mainstream and indigenous researchers can improve geological and environmental knowledge on both sides and provide solutions for current environmental problems such as increased pressure on water resources and global warming. We applied methods from ethnography and earth science to examine the traditional ecological knowledge of an Amazonian tribe in Colombia, the Uitoto, about water, and how that knowledge correlates with that of mainstream earth scientists. The study demonstrates how ethnogeology can be applied in a waterrich environment to: (1) compare knowledge about the natural history of an area, (2) study the geological resources available and their uses, and (3) examine the bases of native classification schemes using mainstream science methods. We found parallels and complementary concepts in the two bodies of knowledge. Our results suggest that the Uitoto have a meticulous taxonomy for water and wetlands-knowledge that is essential for protecting, conserving, and managing their water resources.

Geodiversity in the Amazon drainage basin

“…The chemical composition is mainly controlled by the rock type present in a drainage basin that comes into contact with the water and may subsequently leach minerals into the water, and weathering rates [147][148][149][150][151]. It should be noted that the indigenous peoples of the Amazon have traditionally distinguished between river types using a more elaborate classification based on colour [152], which could aid the interpretation of the geological and geomorphological processes that shape the hydrology of the ADB.…”

Equitable Exchange: A Framework for Diversity and Inclusion in the Geosciences

“…Place‐based research focused on a compelling location based on its environmental conditions is not new to the geosciences (Berkes et al., 1994; Londono et al., 2016; Semken, 2005). The iconic direct record of rising atmospheric CO 2 concentrations used worldwide comes from the Mauna Loa Observatory, a facility intentionally situated high on an island volcano in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to maximize distance from continental land masses (Keeling & Whorf, 2005), albeit without attention to the socio‐cultural values of the site, or incorporation of the Indigenous community into the science (see no mention in Keeling [1998]).…”

Mātauranga Māori in geomorphology: existing frameworks, case studies and recommendations for Earth scientists

“…Bohensky and Maru (2011) provide an extensive review of Indigenous knowledge and Western science integration in the resource management field, but, again, is largely focused on ecology. Some studies that do explicitly address geomorphic research with Indigenous communities typically cover hydrologic and environmental management (e.g., Londono et al, 2016) or soil classification (e.g., Barrera-Bassols, 2015). To our knowledge, most studies that explicitly incorporate Indigenous knowledge and values alongside geomorphic research have been conducted in Aotearoa-NZ, and are the focus of the remainder of this review.…”