‘The place where you should have been born’—Conservation practitioners sacralising wilderness and developing a sense of belonging in the Manu National Park, Perú

Conservation practitioners' subjective views can perpetuate notions of sacredness and belonging that displace Indigenous peoples, even while aiming for equitable management. A critical analysis of interviews, archival material, photographs, and personal experience in Peru's Manu National Park reveals how these perspectives often sacralize wilderness, reinforcing problematic dynamics with Indigenous communities. However, meaningful long-term interactions with local communities can foster inclusive emotional connections, suggesting that transformative change in conservation practice may require collective experiences outside dominant social environments.

Salazar Moreira, E. (2025). ‘The place where you should have been born’—Conservation practitioners sacralising wilderness and developing a sense of belonging in the Manu National Park, Perú. People and Nature, 7(6), 1413–1424. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70045