Magellanic ecological identity: comparison between groups from different cultural and regional backgrounds / Identidad ecológica magallánica: comparación entre grupos de orígenes culturales y territoriales diferentes

This study investigates the relationship between ecological identity and various social and pro-environmental variables among the inhabitants of Southern Patagonia, comparing groups with internal (Chilote) and external (Croatian) migratory ancestry. A total of 212 individuals participated, selected based on their self-categorization as Magellanic, identifying as descendants of Croatian (n = 71), Chilote (n = 66) or other origin (n = 75). We used a non-experimental cross-sectional correlational design to measure regional identity, pro-environmental attitudes, ecological behaviour, essentialism and regionalism. Findings point to differences in ecological variables between the groups compared. Magellanic participants with Chilote ancestry show a stronger relationship between ecology and identity than those with Croatian ancestry. The findings are discussed in terms of the impact of indigenous cultures on the current relationship of Magellanic inhabitants with their natural environment and the importance attributed to territoriality.