Layers of Nature: Population and Landscape Change

This chapter explores the diverse uses of nature in La Calera, examining the concept of first, second, and third nature and their implications for longtime residents and newcomers. The productive use of nature, involving resource extraction like charcoal and limestone, has been traditionally carried out by the Calerunos themselves, who also engage in agriculture and cattle ranching. In contrast, newcomers seek to passively consume nature as a scenic backdrop and source of well-being. Despite their shared goal of preserving the ecological structure, newcomers inadvertently alter the landscape through housing development, creating a paradox. This interplay of different natures mirrors Cronon’s concept of first and second natures. The chapter also highlights the influence of zoning and environmental protection laws, as well as the active role of residents in shaping the landscape through their interventions and political involvement. As economic structures change, a complex dynamic emerges, wherein environmental preservation becomes essential for residents because of the state’s induced scarcity of environmental goods.