Beyond flora and fauna. Social history of natural protected areas and new directions for conservationism in Mendoza (Argentina)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to identify social actors that promoted and criteria that guided the creation of natural protected areas of Mendoza province (Argentina). Primary sources -in-depth interviews- and secondary sources -various types of digital content- were used. During the first years, protected areas were promoted by the provincial government and a local scientific institution, preferring techno-scientific criteria. In contrast, in recent years, conservation projects are initiatives of other social actors - small communities, municipal governments, private companies, among others - which would suggest a diversification / expansion of the criteria that guide their creation.