An Anthropological Study of Environmental Exploitation in the Andes

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The Andes, as well as the Himalayas and Tibet, is the area where human beings live in the highlands of nearly 4000 meters above sea level. This research intends to shed light on the interrelationship of the human community and environment in the Andean uplands via cultural anthropology. We also adopt natural scientific method. To achieve this goal, we planed to make a comparative study of the Andes with the Himalayas and Tibet at the beginning. However, limitation of budget and a deterioration of public peace in the Himalayas prevented our doing so, and caused us to make an intensive investigation into the Andean highlands. We had studied the central Andes hitherto, but this time we carried out comparative research on the northern and southern Andes in order to understand the characteristic quality of the Andean highlands. Consequently, we discovered a peculiarity of the central Andean highlands and its utilization method. Therefore, natural scientists, such as an agronomist, a geographer, and geneticists, act in concert with cultural anthropologists in the latter half of the research period. This interdisciplinary collaboration enabled researchers to find much interesting information on environment, livestock farming and agriculture in the central Andes. Based on these findings and through frequent joint study meetings, we have prepared for bringing out a written report. In consequence, it is decided that the report titled "The Highland in the Andes.-Environment, Culture, and Life" will be published from the Kyoto University Press this year.