The Heritagescape of Kichwa People of Nizag Built upon Traditional Plant Usage along a Chimborazo Variant of the Andean Road System or Qhapaq Ñan

A study of the Kichwa community of Nizag along Ecuador's Qhapaq Ñan reveals that 96% of the 142 plant species documented provide critical environmental or socioecological services, with medicinal uses reported for 89%. Age, not education or gender, significantly influences knowledge variation. The research highlights traditional ethnobotanical practices—including food, agricultural, and craft applications—that sustain biocultural heritage while reinforcing indigenous identity. Using participatory action research and semistructured interviews, the study cataloged plant uses across nine categories, emphasizing their role in cultural transmission and conservation strategies.

Chávez Velásquez, C. R., Sinaluisa Pilco, A. M., Lema Palaquibay, L. F., Velasteguí Arévalo, P. A., Ureña Moreno, J. E., Yépez Noboa, A. M., Latimer, J. B., & Sarmiento, F. O. (2024). The Heritagescape of Kichwa People of Nizag Built upon Traditional Plant Usage along a Chimborazo Variant of the Andean Road System or Qhapaq Ñan. Geographies, 4(3), 537–562. https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies4030029