Agriculture in Protected Areas of Latin America: News Website Review

Abstract

There is a close relationship between agriculture and protected areas/conservation units, because the main activity in most human settlements in these areas is agriculture, which depending on the management and type of crop can benefit or affect said territories. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between agriculture and protected areas/conservation units in Latin America, as it reveals the weaknesses or strengths that influence conservation objectives. A systematic review of articles published in the media on agriculture in protected areas/conservation units in Latin America was conducted. The results of the news analysis were supported by scientific information endorsed by different authors, revealing a common pattern in most Latin American countries, with similar contexts based on the exploitation of natural resources and the development of social conflicts (illegal activities, state negligence, and corruption), as well as the existence of projection in management and good agricultural practices. The result was an evident lack of governance and control by responsible authors with objectives other than conservation. However, there is an effort to achieve a harmonious relationship between human activities and the conservation of areas, aimed at finding alternatives that mitigate socio-environmental impacts. Finally, the results provide an analysis that unifies scientific information from different authors and current news material, generating wide, varied, and reliable information that improves scientific literature.