Paisagens Invisíveis: a Ética da Terra Segundo Aldo Leopold

Abstract

The paper identifies the main concepts and proposals of Aldo Leopold’s (1887-1948) Land Ethic as presented in A Sand County Almanac (1949). The expression “invisible landscapes” underlines the norms and values that inform the relation man- nature in occidental societies, and which were object of Leopold’s criticism. Landscape (aesthetics) talks about ethic, is the face of societies and its moral values. The metaphor of (“biotic”) “community” adopted by Leopold allows the consideration of the interdependence that exists between all living beings. The holistic perspective adopted by the author integrates man in the “biotic community”, stressing his responsibility in the maintenance of “land’s health” (soil, fauna, flora, water). This is an actual, opportune and inspiring approach considering present landscape transformations and the challenges involved in the reflection about the conciliation between diverse values and interests (e.g., economic, social and ecological) in the context of territory planning and management.