Nature’s Identity Crisis

This chapter explores the identity crisis faced by La Calera, a rural town in Latin America, as it navigates the tension between its agricultural and mining past and the encroaching urbanization. The commodification of nature for aesthetic and productive purposes has led to environmental and social pressures on the town. The environmental pressure stems from the increasing demand for infrastructure and public goods due to the influx of newcomers, coupled with the selective enforcement of environmental laws that favor corporations over residents. The social pressure arises from the differing interests of newcomers, who seek aesthetic enjoyment of nature, and longtimers, who rely on nature for material goods and livelihoods. Despite these tensions, residents of La Calera share a metaphysical connection to nature, which forms the basis for potential coalitions in environmental planning. The chapter also explores the concept of “third nature,” which encompasses the actions taken by residents to protect and preserve nature in the face of urbanization. The unequal distribution of environmental goods and bads and the power struggles among different social hierarchies contribute to environmental inequalities. However, the integration of residents through functional, symbolic, and social interactions creates opportunities for collective action in addressing ecological concerns.