La Producción Social del Territorio en la Provincia de Napo Alta Amazonia Ecuatoriana

In light of contemporary challenges related to quality of life and well-being, the collective volume Food and Territory: A Problematic, Distinct Solutions, organized by Professors Marcos Aurélio Saquet and Valdir Frigo Denardin, brings together texts by various authors originating from an international event on the same theme. It is important to emphasize that development cannot be addressed without considering “food and territory” as transversal axes, especially when the topic is approached from an interdisciplinary perspective with a transdisciplinary vocation, encompassing the inseparable link between social dynamics and ecological systems. Here, it is worth mentioning the theory of Human Scale Development (HSD) by Manfred Max-Neef, in collaboration with Elizalde and Hopenhayn, which proposes satisfiers to meet human needs – such as subsistence, protection, affection, participation, understanding, creation, leisure, identity, and freedom. The concept of “territorialized food,” associated with the principles of the slow food movement and operationalized through ecogastronomy, is an example of a synergistic satisfier, as it contributes to fulfilling multiple needs. In this case, we see subsistence (nutrition), affection (memory), leisure (tasting), and identity (territoriality).From this perspective, food should also be understood as a constitutive element of integrative health. This approach considers the individual's health in its entirety, including social interaction –social health– and reconnection with nature –environmental health. Beyond valuing flavor and nutritional content, it is essential to recognize the designation of origin and promote fair and sustainable ecosocioeconomic practices that simultaneously integrate ecological, social, and economic dimensions, since development should not occur at the expense of any of them. These practices, often rooted in specific geographic spaces, can be sustained through territorial arrangements or productive chains committed to socio-environmental responsibility, such as solidarity economy and fair trade, which strengthen regional and national identities. Ultimately, food refers not only to subjective quality of life but also to well-being in community and territory. Without further ado – as the spotlight belongs to the organizers, Prof. Marcos Aurélio and Prof. Valdir – I invite readers to explore the chapters of this work in depth. Enjoy your reading.