Social Metabolism, Cultural Landscape, and Social Invisibility in the Forests of Rio de Janeiro

A significant portion of Rio de Janeiro's urban landscape, particularly its forests within the Pedra Branca and Tijuca mountain massifs, remains socially invisible despite its ecological and cultural importance. This study reveals how social metabolism—interactions between human societies and their environments—shapes these landscapes, often marginalizing local communities' contributions to biodiversity conservation. Researchers analyzed urban expansion, land use, and social dynamics using cross-cultural fieldwork methods, uncovering the tension between formal conservation efforts and informal, community-driven practices that sustain the city's unique ecosystems.

Stingel, J., & de Oliveir, R. R. (2012). Social Metabolism, Cultural Landscape, and Social Invisibility in the Forests of Rio de Janeiro. Polyphonic Anthropology - Theoretical and Empirical Cross-Cultural Fieldwork. https://doi.org/10.5772/37236