The Unfulfilled Promises of San Rafael Park

This chapter explores the dynamics between third nature and scarcity in abundance through the case of land in La Calera. Specifically, it focuses on the San Rafael Ecological Park project, which led to a coalition among longtimers and newcomers against the state. While both groups supported the park’s objective of redistributing environmental privileges, they opposed the design process, feeling that their voices were not considered. They sought to expand the concept of third nature beyond restrictive boundaries imposed by the state, advocating for ecotourism and other human-nonhuman interactions that would benefit both the economy and the environment. Residents resorted to various mechanisms to ensure their own visions of third nature were included. Despite initial inclusion, the realization of their proposals was uncertain, requiring the intervention of a court to halt the project. This legal action highlighted environmental justice concerns and the right to a healthy environment.