Classification of cultural ecotopes in a Brazilian Cerrado Forest

Different cultures relate to their environment dissimilarly by classifying and naming distinct types of landscapes, both by utilitarian and cognitive factors. Data on local classification of cultural ecotopes can yield more nuanced understanding of environmental history. Such history can be accessed by individual as well as collective memories embedded in local society. Certain landscapes determined by human-mediated disturbance may hold particular significance locally Residents in a 40,000 ha cerrado forest in Northeastern Brazil recognized 304 terms for cultural ecotopes therein. This vocabulary  derives largely from names of earlier forest dwellers cultural symbols, and terms for local biota, including useful ones. Data from this landscape classification as well as cultural ecotopes mapping, indicates places of intense human activity, both past and present; these also reference variation in land management strategies over time. Environmental and climate change can be assessed as well thereby at this local level.