Kirstie Brown Culture and Biodiversity in Venezuela.

Venezuela is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with and great amount of biodiversity it is placed on the worlds list for top countries for such diverse species such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and plants. This country has a great amount of rainforests, and tropical landscapes. The Venezuelan Guyana has a large portion of the cultural diversity residing in the country. There are about 28 indigenous ethnic groups that are with in this area, and most have lives there for hundreds of years even before Christopher Columbus discovered the countries banks on his third voyage. (Stanford & Eglee Zentacademia) The native people of this country have shaped it into what it is today. All the colors, music, and art all around the cities and urban areas have been developed through the first people who have kept their cultures and traditions alive. The majority of the indigenous people live in small communities among the rural forest areas. They connect with the land becoming self sufficient, hunting, fishing, and gathering when they can. Many tribes use the plants found in the forest for medicinal use, for the spiritual doctors to cure the sick or wounded. The people of the rain forest and the cultures that reside there have a deep connection with the environment respecting and connecting with animals and other living things around them. For example the Piaroa are an indigenous horticultural-hunter society of the Middle Orinoco region who are celebrated in the popular and academic literature for their mastery of the forest environment, colorful ceremonies and powerful, drug-taking shamans. (Stanford & Eglee Zentacademia) These Amazonians connect with the environment and take part in spiritual rituals to be closer to the forest provided to them. A common religion and tradition is to have shamans among the rain forest tribes. One of the most important practices among South American rain forest cultures is shamanism. A shaman is an individual who communicates with the supernatural for purposes of maintaining

Kirstie Brown Culture and Biodiversity in Venezuela.

order in both the mortal and immortal worlds. (Warao Indians Venezuela) These cultures and communities all coexist with one of the most diverse environments on this world. The rain forest and tropical areas of the Amazon is beautiful and deadly at the same time. Connecting and feeling safe in and environment that had been with your people for generations is truly amazing. Living with the animals and plants finding ways to use the land for medical and spiritual gains makes Venezuelan cultures very unique to the world.

WORK CITED:
"On Biocultural Diversity from a Venezuelan Perspective | Stanford & Eglee Zent Academia.edu." On Biocultural Diversity from a Venezuelan Perspective | Stanford & Eglee Zent Academia.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Aug. 2013. "Warao Indians of Venezuela: Music and Culture." Warao Indians of Venezuela: Music and Culture. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Aug. 2013.