Abstract

NUNEZ-GARCIA, RM; FUENTE-CARRASCO, ME  and  VENEGAS-BARRERA, CS. Avifauna in the biocultural memory of young indigenous people in the Sierra Juárez of Oaxaca, Mexico. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2012, vol.28, n.3, pp.201-216. ISSN 0186-2979.

Biocultural memory, a heritage of indigenous communities, is essential in promoting sustainable strategies. From this perspective, the state of biocultural memory in relation to birds was explored. The empirical reference was based on university students of the Sierra Juarez of Oaxaca that speak a Mesoamerican language (Zapotec, Mixtec, Chinantec, Mixe) and others that speak only Spanish. In order to address this issue, a methodological strategy was proposed to highlight the multidisciplinary and intercultural character. From an ethnoecological point of view, 225 records derived from 12 indicators on bird knowledge were identified and described. The information was analysed to form clusters. The bird data makes it possible to establish the hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between the ability to use an indigenous language and the praxis of appropriating Nature, and the development of a biocultural memory in young university students. It was found that the recognition and valuation of biocultural memory in an academic environment is an important tool for students' overall development and their future contribution to the implementation of sustainability strategies in their community.

Keywords : Ethnoecology; young people; birds; Oaxaca; indigenous.

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