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VIDEO DOI: https://doi.org/10.48448/c5fy-r419

technical paper

AAA Annual Meeting 2021

November 18, 2021

Baltimore, United States

Nation Beyond Plantation: The Eucalyptus 'Plantationocene' And Emergent Ecopolitics In Galicia, Spain

keywords:

multispecies

ecology and environment

political ecology

The Plantationocene promotes proliferation of some species at the expense of native species in addition to loss in biodiversity because of ecological simplification (monocropping). I argue that plantation also thrives as a consequence of enclosure and privatization of commons and also promotes rural outmigration. In the autonomous region of Galicia, the introduction of Eucalyptus plantations now cover a larger area that supersedes native forests. Even though Eucalyptus was introduced in Galicia in the mid nineteenth century, its expansion started in the mid-20th century and has been accelerated in the last few decades. Its fast growth, ample adaptability, and profitability for paper production. Because of low management costs, Eucalyptus plantations are commonly regarded as one of the few options for landowners not living in rural areas to make use of their lands, which in turn provokes a profound change in land use.

The ecological consequences of this profound transformation of the Galician landscape have been reflected in loss of biodiversity, native flora and fauna. One important vulnerability of the Eucalyptus plantations are susceptible to anthropogenic fires. In our present era of climate chaos, this threat is exacerbated and has resulted in extreme forest fires.   These developments have galvanized Galician environmental and nationalist political movements. Eucalyptus being an introduced species, it has been framed as an invasive species by these activists whose proposal of systemic removal in favor of bringing back native species is seen as the only solution. Nationalism complicates matters as Galicia is a distinct nationality within the Spanish nation-state.

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