THE ANTHROPOCENE AND THE CHALLENGES OF SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL GOVERNANCE: LESSONS FROM SOUTHERN CHILE

Abstract

The concept of the Anthropocene has been proposed to designate a new geological era marked by the deep imprint of human activities on the planet. However, this category has been criticized for its apparent neutrality, which obscures the differentiated responsibilities and power structures that have led to the current socioecological crisis. From these criticisms, alternative notions such as the «Capitalocene» and the «Chthulucene» have emerged, which problematize the concept. In this context, this paper explores the tensions between environmental justice and ecological justice, understood as complementary but differentiated normative frameworks. Based on this distinction, the predominant model of environmental governance in the Anthropocene (determined by verticality, extractivism and state-corporate centralism) is examined and contrasted with emerging proposals for participatory, community, indigenous and ecocentric governance. The research closes with an analysis of the case of Villarrica National Park. It is argued that, although still in development, these experiences may constitute a turning point towards a post-anthropocentric paradigm, based on interdependence, territorial justice and binding participation. Community-based environmental governance thus appears as a feasible way to reimagine our relationship with planet earth.