Over the past 30 years Chile has implemented neoliberal policies on the promise that open and free access to globalÌýmarkets through commodity exports will lead the country to its development. These policies have had tremendousÌýÌýterritorial and economic effects, materially altering the country’s environment. Ìý Along with its historical role as the topÌýproducer of copper in the world, Chile lead the way to becoming the first global fruit exporter from the southernÌýhemisphere through exports of crops such as grapes and blueberries. Chile also isÌýalsoÌýamong the top ten woodÌýproducers, and is a leader in salmon farming.Ìý
This presentation explores these processes through analysis of the salmon farming industry in the Los Lagos region ofÌýsouthern Chile. ÌýIn particular, it looks at how the salmon farming has produced a series of ecological contradictions that,Ìýin turn, have been addressed through a range of spatial and ecological fixes.ÌýBy looking at the institutional, productiveÌýand technological solutions implemented to address the constant ecological crises, I reflect on the ideas of commodityÌýfrontiers or commodity regions as theoretical lenses to better understand extractive economies in Latin America.
Beatriz Bustos
Departamento de Geografia
Universidad de Chile
Co-sponsored by Latin American Studies Center
Ìý