Biocultural diversity analysis for the diagnosis and mitigation of rural abandonment

Abstract

Biocultural diversity (understood as the linkages between biological and cultural diversity) has emerged as a novel tool and a new line of work that can be very useful for the diagnosis and mitigation of rural abandonment. In this contribution, the conceptual framework of biocultural diversity is introduced and applied to discuss how it can serve to advance the understanding of the impacts of rural abandonment, as well as help address future problems in the context of rural abandonment. Based on a literature review, we analyze previous work focused on the relationship between rural abandonment and biocultural diversity. The results show a very limited literature focused on this relationship, where five major categories are identified, related to the loss of traditional knowledge, the simplification of the cultural landscape, emotional disconnection, the breakdown of food webs, and changes in cultural ecosystem services. Finally, we discuss the main challenges facing the operationalization of biocultural diversity as a useful framework to help address future challenges related to rural abandonment.