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Contribution short abstract:

In the Juan Fernández archipelago, the human imprint emerged late. These places, transitioning from the Holocene to the Anthropocene, act as environmental history labs. The debate focuses on resilience versus degradation and the quest for sustainability in a globalised world.

Contribution long abstract:

In the Juan Fernández archipelago, along with other remote regions like oceanic islands and caves, the human imprint was belatedly felt. These unique landscapes, bridging the Holocene to the Anthropocene, offer invaluable insights as natural laboratories for studying environmental history. Their late interaction with humans prompts significant inquiries about our ecological footprint: Why do certain regions manifest pronounced resilience, while others succumb to swift degradation?

The book "Feral Biologies" underscores the culmination of human diaspora, suggesting that the ever-reducing natural sanctuaries for biodiversity necessitate a re-evaluation of our sustainability practices. As the last frontiers of human exploration and settlement, these territories confront us with the imperatives of ecological stewardship in a rapidly globalising world.

These areas not only prompt reflections on the past but also challenge present-day methodologies and strategies. How we interact, manage, and coexist with these ecosystems could provide lessons for broader applications, underscoring the significance of interdisciplinary collaborations. As history and science converge in these discussions, the shared goal remains clear: to establish a sustainable coexistence paradigm in an increasingly interconnected world.