‘…the Hardest Working People on This Planet…’: Conservation Practitioners' Narratives of Heroism and Indigenous Erasure in the Manu National Park, Perú

Conservation practitioners' narratives often perpetuate exclusionary wilderness discourses, emphasizing their own heroism while erasing or marginalizing Indigenous peoples. A critical analysis of archival material and interviews from the Manu National Park, Peru—a global conservation priority—reveals that these narratives frame Indigenous communities as environmental threats rather than acknowledging their vital roles. While some exceptions exist, fundamental reflexivity in conservation practices remains lacking, highlighting the need for practitioners to de-center themselves and recognize Indigenous contributions.

Salazar Moreira, E. (2026). ‘…the Hardest Working People on This Planet…’: Conservation Practitioners’ Narratives of Heroism and Indigenous Erasure in the Manu National Park, Perú. Geo: Geography and Environment, 13(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/geo2.70076