The role of human beings in the maintenance of ecosystems

indigenous people and family farmers

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the role of human beings in the maintenance of ecosystems, especially with regard to indigenous people and family farmers. We believe that these human groups have great potential to assist in the maintenance of ecosystems, as their ways of living and customs are culturally linked to ecosystems' preservation. We believe that the human species is fundamentally dependent on the flow of ecosystem services to be protected against environmental change and that the rapid loss of culturally valuable ecosystems and landscapes can contribute to social disruption and societies marginalization.