Sistemas de manejo em açaizais nativos praticados por comunidades ribeirinhas na ilha Maracapucu Palmar, Abaetetuba - Pará –Brasil

Abstract

The main goal of this study is to identify the management systems used by riverine communities on native açai crops in three igarapés, in the Abaetetuba islands-Para State-Brazil. The study related the scientific models of management in the literature, suggesting to the community, measures that increase the productivity of the açai crops. The study area has a diverse topography (islands, rivers, igarapés, furos, bays, beaches and coasts) which constitutes the riverine zone or as known as Abaetetuba islands region. In this region, the forest management for açai extraction is made by the riverine community that historically survive with extractivism. In the last years occurred an increase of visibility and valuation of the açai, causing the augment of producers and extractors in the region and, consequent anthropic pression over the native açai crops requiring some consideration. In this context, a set of planning and techniques of açai harvesting, adapted to the forest and social and economical characteristics is needed and it is important to ensure a more sustainable management. During the development of this study, interviews were made with the açai producers in the region studied, gathering information that elucidated the understanding about their relationship with the forest and their productive practices. The campaigns were made between November 2017 and December 2018. Notes about the features of the managed areas, photographic registers and location were taken. The management practices observed had a parallel with the practices indicated in the scientific literature. However, many management practices used by the riverine communities deserve attention and orientation, otherwise they could cause great economical and environmental damage. In addition to the lack of technical guidance, the community is lacking in information about financial support to produce açai. In order to promote an improvement of techniques, knowledge and access to logistics and financial support, we elaborated a manual called Manual Ecológico Para Manejo de Açaizal de Várzea. There is information that helps, not only the açai producers, improving their forest management practices, but also the entire local riverine community that depends of the forest. The manual also promotes awareness of the environmental sustainability.