Regenerative urban planning
Introduction
Ecological autonomy is a concept that refers to the ability of a community to manage and transform its natural environment autonomously "Autonomy (philosophy and psychology)"), based on its knowledge, techniques and symbolic systems.[1].
In other words, it refers to the capacity of socio-ecological systems to govern themselves in a sustainable manner without depending on external structures that impose extractivist or technocratic logics. This concept implies a harmonious relationship between society and nature, where communities manage their natural resources in an equitable, democratic and regenerative way. This is a conscious interdependence that prioritizes ecological resilience "Resilience (ecology)") and social justice, not absolute independence.
Concept
The concept arises from the convergence between different social movements and ideological currents that question the relationship between society and nature and propose alternatives based on self-management and sustainability.
The origin of the concept in Latin America is found in the territorial struggles of indigenous communities, peasants and environmental movements that, since the middle of the century, have resisted the expansion of the capitalist development model. These struggles have claimed ways of life based on self-management, food sovereignty and respect for natural cycles.[2].
In the academic field, ecological autonomy has been developed by currents such as political ecology and decolonial thought, which criticize the subordination of nature to the logic of the market; In addition, social ecology, developed by the American Murray Buckschin"),[3] and other authors such as Daniel Stokols") and Richard M. Conway")[1] studies the interdependence of people, groups and institutions with their environment and has been an influence on the formation of this concept.
Indigenous peoples of Ibero-America
In the 20th century, the majority of indigenous civilizations in Ibero-America were affected by the military subjugation of the colonial regimes established by the Spanish and Portuguese, and with it their ecological autonomy. The natives were stripped of their farmland, control over their forests and water sources, thus making current ecological autonomy characteristic of their ethnic identities").[4]