Looking Forward

Abstract

AbstractThe final chapter summarizes the main points discussed in the earlier chapters and brings them together to paint a comprehensive picture of Classic Maya civilization as an environmentally conscious and socio-ecologically adaptive society. The specific natural resource-management strategies developed by Classic Maya communities do not in and of themselves provide specific blueprints for resilience that we can follow today. Most were so successful because they were tailored to individual microenvironments, species, and rainfall patterns. Contemporary Maya communities continue to demonstrate the cultural and socio-ecological resilience that has been a key characteristic of Maya culture since the earliest agroforesters began shaping the lowland landscapes. Just as they have at many points in the past, Maya communities face numerous climatic, ecological, and social challenges in the present. The main factors that have consistently allowed Maya communities to survive through periods of turmoil and transmit cultural practices to succeeding generations are their capacities, abilities, and willingness to adapt to the changing circumstances. Thus, the main lessons we can learn from the Classic Maya are the importance of knowledge, planning, and structural flexibility.