Plantas úteis em comunidades quilombolas no municipio de Mocajuba-Pa

Abstract

This study is grounded in ethnobotany, a science that investigates the relationships between human populations and plant resources, taking into account traditional knowledge associated with the use of plants. The present study was conducted in the Quilombola communities of Porto Grande, Mangabeira, and São José do Icatu, located in the municipality of Mocajuba-Pá. In these quilombola communities, this knowledge is transmitted primarily orally across generations and plays an important role in the cultural, economic, and socio-environmental sustainability of traditional populations. The results demonstrate that plant species have multiple uses in the communities studied, notably in the categories of medicine, food, construction, crafts, and rituals. Medicinal use was of great significance, the communities dependence on natural resources for basic healthcare, especially given the limited access to medical services. Species used for food and income generation were also recorded. The communities studied have a strong historical and cultural connection to the territory, consisting of descendants of enslaved people who sought refuge in the Amazon region. In addition to their cultural importance, ethnobotanical knowledge contributes to the conservation of local biodiversity and the sustainable use of plant resources. It can be concluded that the documentation and valorization of traditional knowledge associated with useful plants are fundamental to the preservation of the biocultural diversity of Amazonian quilombola communities. Furthermore, the results reinforce the importance of ethnobotany as a tool for cultural valorization, environmental conservation, and the strengthening of traditional identities.