Publications
Caring for the big house: Indigenous cosmoexperiences and lessons learned from the UNESCO World Heritage designation awarded to Tatewarí Huahuyé
Indigenous cosmoexperiences, exemplified by the Wixárika pilgrimage through sacred sites to Wirikuta (Tatewarí Huajuyé) in Mexico, demonstrate transformative potential for environmental care beyond human-centric frameworks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site embodies a relationality between people and nature that challenges modern utilitarian principles, offering a model of 'cosmopolitical' defense of territories. The study combines literature review, case analysis, and interviews to explore how Indigenous practices—rooted in deep ecological knowledge—can reshape global environmental governance. By leveraging political and legislative resources, the Wixárika community showcases how cosmoexperiences can foster collective care for Earth, providing a blueprint for reimagining human-nature relationships amid climate crisis.
A proposal for the determination of a Protected Natural Area (PNA) of the Wirikuta zone in the state of San Luis Potosi, México
A comprehensive proposal expands the Wirikuta zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sacred Wixárika route in San Luis Potosí, México, from 138,750 ha to 293,388.42 ha. This expansion incorporates critical hydrogeological, ecological, and social dynamics, addressing gaps in previous studies that relied on linear geometric criteria. The research integrates physiological, hydrological, topographical, meteorological, and climatological factors, along with an assessment of soil toxicity and economic/social elements, while also considering mining concessions. By adopting a watershed-based approach, the proposal aims to protect the site's biodiversity, cultural significance, and natural integrity more holistically.
Diagnosis cultural y natural de la Ruta Huichol a Huiricuta: Criterios para su inclusión en la lista de Patrimonio Mundial
A comprehensive diagnosis of the Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé) in Mexico highlights its exceptional cultural and natural value, justifying its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This route, spanning 135,360 hectares across Nayarit and San Luis Potosí, serves as a vital corridor for the Wixárika people's pilgrimage, integrating sacred sites, diverse ecosystems, and traditional practices. The study identifies unique attributes such as its role in cultural exchange, ritual significance, and biodiversity conservation, meeting multiple UNESCO criteria (iii, v, vi, x). Despite its potential universal importance, the route faces threats from resource exploitation and development pressures. The research, based on over 20 field expeditions spanning two decades, combines ethnographic, biological, and legal data to support its nomination as an Associative Cultural Landscape, emphasizing the deep interplay between culture and nature.
Wirikuta
Wirikuta, a sacred region in Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert and the endpoint of an annual 550-kilometer pilgrimage by the Wixárika (Huichol) people, faces significant threats despite its legal protection under Mexico's Indigenous rights framework. The study highlights Wirikuta's dual importance as both a natural site and a cultural landmark, protected by official decree to allow Indigenous management aligned with traditional practices. However, illegal mining activities pose severe risks to the region's ecological integrity and the Wixárika way of life. This research underscores the critical role of Indigenous stewardship in preserving Wirikuta while identifying urgent challenges, including legal violations and environmental degradation, that demand immediate attention for its sustainable future.
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