Synchronous losses of biological, linguistic, and cultural diversity are contributing to processes of biocultural homogenization, a persistent downgrading in how people perceive biodiversity, environmental, and cultural conditions, and what they consider as normal. Some have linked biocultural homogenization with neoliberal practices that emphasize standardization and efficiencies in order to enhance capital accumulation. In Chile, which is highly centralized, urban, and centered around neoliberal development, biocultural homogenization is especially concerning, as it may lower support for conservation. Thus, when thinking about conservation-based development in Patagonia, locally driven initiatives that foster biocultural reawakening, democratize science, and catalyze sustainable development, might help address biocultural homogenization and build conservation support. This mixed-methods, intrinsic case study explored three initiatives underway in the Aysén and Magallanes regions of Chile that address some of these outcomes: (1) Subantarctic Natural Laboratories; (2) 3-Hs Biocultural Ethic and FEP Cycle Approach; and (3) Scientific Tourism Collaborative Learning Networks. We sought to better understand their methods and implementations and explore how their integration might strengthen conservation-based development in Patagonia, through ethical travel experiences rooted in the bioculture of local communities. Results suggest promise for a combined approach; thus, additional research and consideration are merited.

This chapter explored how Modernization , Transformatio n, and Control Sustainable Development (SD) imaginaries and trajectories interacted, nuanced, and mediated the approaches of neoliberaldevelopment initiatives and the conflicts which surrounded them. A collective case study approach was employed to better understand actors, their strategies, and perceptions about three large-scale development proposals, the Patagonia National Parks network, the HidroAysén hydroelectric project, and the Río Cuervo hydroelectric project. We identified six themes that characterized participants’ preferences related to processes: a desire for greater proactiveness around transparency , a binding participation process of governance, bottom-up decision making, re-empowerment of local groups, decentralization , and improved oversight practices. Further, directed content analysis revealed numerous manifestations of the three SD futures trajectories and several examples of interactions and overlap between the SD imaginaries. Seemingly, some development actors navigated between SD imaginaries and tactics to maneuver between local and national actors, agendas, and decision-making processes. We have termed these tactics as SD agility , which are initially defined as: “the strategic ability to maneuver between SD imaginaries and trajectories to achieve strategic SD outcomes.” SD agility tactics merit additional study as we believe they may represent an important capacity for SD futures trajectories.

The evolution of tourists’ motivations is generating new approaches to tourism. One of them is scientific tourism (ST), which involves travel experiences with a focus on participation in scientific studies of various disciplines. ST has evolved significantly over the last decade in ChileanPatagonia, driven by public policies and the interest of various academic and private actors. These actors argue that involving travelers in research initiatives taking place in Patagonian destinations allows them to develop lasting connections with the heritage and institutions of these territories. This chapter presents an innovative process, including stakeholder identification, semi-structured survey interviews, and document analysis, to develop a matrix of weighted criteria to assess the potential for sustainable ST development within a destination. The process involves weighing four criteria: scientific research possibilities, supply of services to support scientific travel, value chain coordination, and current demand for ST in the destination. Each of these criteria is operationalized through a set of indicators that make it possible to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for the sustainable development of scientific tourism services in the destination. Then, the method is field tested in the Aysén Region of Chilean Patagonia, affording the opportunity to further evaluate its assessment capacity.

Synchronous losses of biological, linguistic, and cultural diversity are contributing to processes of biocultural homogenization , a persistent downgrading in how people perceive biodiversity, environmental, and cultural conditions, and what they consider as normal. Some have linked biocultural homogenization with neoliberal practices that emphasize standardization and efficiencies in order to enhance capital accumulation. In Chile, which is highly centralized, urban, and centered around neoliberal development, biocultural homogenization is especially concerning, as it may lower support for conservation. Thus, when thinking about conservation-based development in Patagonia, locally driven initiatives that foster biocultural reawakening, democratize science, and catalyze sustainable development, might help address biocultural homogenization and build conservation support. This mixed-methods, intrinsic case study explored three initiatives underway in the Aysén and Magallanes regions of Chile that address some of these outcomes: (1) Subantarctic Natural Laboratories; (2) 3-Hs Biocultural Ethic and FEP Cycle Approach; and (3) Scientific Tourism Collaborative Learning Networks. We sought to better understand their methods and implementations and explore how their integration might strengthen conservation-based development in Patagonia, through ethical travel experiences rooted in the bioculture of local communities. Results suggest promise for a combined approach; thus, additional research and consideration are merited.