Land Use Change, Social Actors and Environmental Conflicts in Central Argentina.

CÁCERES DM Y E TAPELLA

Lisboa

Congreso; XIII World Congress of Rural Sociology; 2012

IRSA

Due to climate change and technological, economic and political drivers, Argentina is experiencing profound land-use changes. Drawing upon a case study, the paper analyses the process of land use change in Central Argentina. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, it focuses on (a) how different social actors perceive and value ecosystem services (ES), and (b) which are the main struggles and conflicts arising from their disputes over the appropriation of ES. Results suggests that the strategies carried out by some social actors are deeply modifying the provision of ES, and configuring new social scenarios of ‘winners’ and ‘losers’. Emerging and rapidly expanding land uses (e.g., industrial agriculture), confronts and excludes traditional uses (e.g., extensive pastoral practices), and compromises the future provision of key ES. The paper highlights the importance of developing interdisciplinary and multi-actor approaches. The findings may help to develop policies fostering more sustainable and equitable practices.