Nationalizing Nature: Iguazu Falls and National Parks at the Brazil-Argentina Border

Conservation played a significant role in the territorial development of Latin America, with Brazil and Argentina creating national parks around Iguazu Falls to attract migrants and evict settlers in the 1970s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 333 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In Latin America, a remarkable one-quarter of the land is dedicated to nature protection, a testament to the region's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. In his insightful book, "Nationalizing Nature," Frederico Freitas delves into the profound impact of conservation on the territorial development of Latin America. Through a detailed exploration of how Brazil and Argentina utilized national parks to nationalize their borderlands, Freitas sheds light on the crucial role played by conservation in shaping the region's landscape.

In the 1930s, a significant milestone was reached when Brazil and Argentina created their first national parks, specifically around the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder shared by both countries. These parks were meticulously designed as strategic tools to attract migrants from their densely populated Atlantic seaboards to the sparsely inhabited borderlands. The vision was to promote economic growth, stimulate development, and foster a sense of national identity through the preservation of these natural treasures.

However, the 1970s witnessed a paradigm shift, leading to the military regimes in Brazil and Argentina forcibly evicting settlers from their national parks. This dramatic event highlighted the complex and often conflicting relationship between authoritarianism and conservation in the Southern Cone. It underscored the delicate balance between preserving nature and meeting the needs of human populations, particularly in regions with complex political and social dynamics.

By tracing nearly a century of national park history in Latin America's largest countries, "Nationalizing Nature" offers a comprehensive analysis of how conservation policy has shaped national programs of frontier development and border control. Freitas sheds light on the political, economic, and social factors that have influenced the creation, management, and evolution of these parks, highlighting their role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.

Through his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Freitas provides a valuable perspective on the complex interplay between conservation, territorial development, and the politics of power in Latin America. "Nationalizing Nature" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the region's rich natural heritage, the challenges faced by conservationists, and the potential for sustainable development in the face of political and social complexities.

ISBN-13: 9781108948906