Indigenous ecological calendars and seasonal vector-borne diseases in the Colombian Amazon: an intercultural and interdisciplinary approach / Calendarios ecológicos indígenas y enfermedades estacionales transmitidas por vectores en la Amazonia colombiana: un enfoque intercultural e interdisciplinario

Traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous groups in the southeastern Colombian Amazon coincides in identifying the two main hydrological transition periods (wet-dry: August-November; dry-wet: March-April) as those with greater susceptibility to disease in humans. Here we analyze the association between indigenous knowledge about these two periods and the incidence of two vector-borne diseases: malaria and dengue. We researched seven "ecological calendars" from three regions in the Colombian Amazon, malaria and dengue cases reported from 2007 to 2019 by the Colombian National Institute of Health, and daily temperature and precipitation data from eight meteorological stations in the region from 1990-2019 (a climatological normal). Malaria and dengue follow a seasonal pattern: malaria has a peak from August to November, corresponding with the wet-dry transition (the "season of the worms" in the indigenous calendars), and dengue has a peak in March and April, coinciding with the dry-wet transition. Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between rainfall and dengue and a negative correlation between rainfall and malaria. However, as the indigenous ecological knowledge codified in the calendars suggests, disease prediction cannot be reduced to a linear correlation with a single environmental variable. Our data show that two major aspects of the indigenous calendars (the time of friaje as a critical marker of the year and the hydrological transition periods as periods of greater susceptibility to diseases) are supported by meteorological data and by the available information about the incidence of malaria and dengue.(AU)

Los conocimientos ecológicos tradicionales de grupos indígenas del sureste de la Amazonia colombiana coinciden en identificar dos principales periodos de transición hidrológica (seco-húmedo: agosto-noviembre; húmedo-seco: marzo-abril) como los de mayor susceptibilidad a enfermedades en humanos. Aquí analizamos la asociación entre el conocimiento indígena sobre estos dos periodos y la incidencia de dos enfermedades transmitidas por vectores: malaria y dengue. Investigamos siete calendarios ecológicos de tres regiones en la Amazonia colombiana, casos de dengue y malaria reportados de 2007 hasta 2019 por el Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia y datos diarios de temperatura y precipitación de ocho estaciones meteorológicas en la región, de 1990 a 2019 (una normal climatológica). Malaria y dengue siguen un patrón estacional, la malaria tiene un pico de agosto a noviembre, correspondiendo con la transición húmedo-seco (el "tiempo de gusano" según los calendarios indígenas), mientras que dengue tiene un pico de marzo a abril, coincidiendo con la transición seco-húmedo. Estudios previos mostraron una correlación positiva entre precipitación y dengue, y una correlación negativa entre precipitación y malaria. Sin embargo, como lo sugiere el conocimiento ecológico codificado en los calendarios indígenas, la predicción de enfermedades no puede reducirse a una correlación lineal con una sola variable medioambiental. Nuestros datos muestran que dos aspectos principales de los calendarios indígenas (el tiempo de friaje como un marcador crítico anual y los periodos de transición hidrológica como épocas de mayor susceptibilidad a enfermedades) están soportados por datos meteorológicos e información disponible acerca de la incidencia de malaria y dengue.(AU)

Cambios históricos en el esfuerzo pesquero de la flota parguera de Taganga, Caribe Colombiano / Historical changes in the fishing effort of the parguera fleet of Taganga, Colombian Caribbean

RESUMEN La pesquería artesanal avanzada de lanchas "pargueras" que opera en el área norte del mar Caribe de Colombia ha experimentado grandes dificultades relacionadas con el volumen de los desembarcos, que han llevado al colapso económico de la flota. La disminución de la abundancia de los recursos ícticos ha ocasionado la expansión del área de pesca, el aumento en la duración del viaje de pesca, la disminución de los ingresos y el incremento de los gastos de operación. Existen vacíos en el conocimiento de la distribución espacial actual e histórica del esfuerzo pesquero de la flota, que no permiten asociarlos a los cambios en las abundancias, la composición de las capturas y la disminución de tamaños de las especies capturadas. Mediante entrevistas a pescadores y con la ayuda del conocimiento ecológico tradicional, el conocimiento local y el uso de sistemas de información geográfica, se mapeó la distribución espacial del esfuerzo pesquero y su comportamiento desde los años 70 hasta la actualidad. Como principal resultado, se evidenció un aumento promedio de 134,5km en la distancia del viaje de pesca en casi 50 años y cambios en el área y profundidades de pesca, que variaron desde los 27,8 a 1117,8km2 y de los 93,8 a 41,1m, respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos constituyen insumos valiosos para la implementación de estrategias de manejo, orientadas a asegurar la sostenibilidad ecológica y la viabilidad económica de esta importante pesquería.

ABSTRACT The advanced artisanal fishery of fishing boats called "pargueras" that operates in the northern area of the Colombian Caribbean has experienced great difficulties related to the volume of landings that have led to the economic collapse of the fleet. The decrease in the abundance of fish resources has caused an expansion of the fishing area, increased duration of the fishing trip, decreased incomes and the increase in operating expenses. Existing knowledge gaps with respect to current and historical spatial distribution of the fleet's fishing effort prevent an association to changes in resource abundances, composition of catches and decreased species catch sizes. Through interviews with fishermen and based in traditional ecological knowledge, local knowledge and the use of geographic information systems, we mapped the spatial distribution of fishing effort and its inter-decadal behavior, from the 70s to present. The main result was a 134.5km increase in the distance of an average fishing trip in almost 50 years and changes in the surface area and fishing depths which varied from 27.8 to 1117.8km2 and 93.8 to 41.1m, respectively. The results obtained constitute valuable inputs for the implementation of management strategies aimed at ensuring the ecological sustainability and economic viability of this important fishery.

Important medicinal plants from traditional ecological knowledge: the case La Rosita community of Puerto Colombia (Atlántico, Colombia) / Plantas medicinales importantes desde el conocimiento ecológico local: el caso Comunidad La Rosita de Puerto Colombia (Atlántico, Colombia)

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) associated with the use of medicinal plants has been vital to numerous communities around the world. Nowadays, medicinal plants continue to be of great cultural importance and represent a viable option for health care in local communities. This study was conducted Colombian Caribbean region, particularly in the La Rosita neighborhood of the municipality of Puerto Colombia, with the purpose of collecting ethnobotanical information associated with the medicinal uses that the inhabitants give to the plants. For the analysis of ethnobotanical data, the cultural importance (CI) index was calculated. TEK of medicinal plants contributed to healing practices of the municipality of Puerto Colombia because during the decades the inhabitants have been able to verify the effectiveness of these plants in the treatment of diseases. However most of the medicinal species used are not non-native. Our results show the urgency of developing research that contributes to the documentation and analysis of ethnobotanical information and makes the importance of TEK as a cultural service of ecosystems visible.

El conocimiento ecológico tradicional (TEK) asociado con el uso de plantas medicinales ha sido vital para numerosas comunidades en todo el mundo. Hoy en día, las plantas medicinales continúan siendo de gran importancia cultural y representan una opción viable para el cuidado de la salud en las comunidades locales. Este estudio se realizó en la región Caribe colombiana, particularmente en el barrio La Rosita del municipio de Puerto Colombia, con el propósito de recolectar información etnobotánica asociada a los usos que los habitantes otorgan a las plantas. Para el análisis de datos etnobotánicos, se calculó el índice de importancia cultural (IC). TEK de plantas medicinales contribuyó a las prácticas curativas del municipio de Puerto Colombia pues durante décadas los habitantes han podido comprobar la efectividad de estas plantas en el tratamiento de enfermedades. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las especies medicinales utilizadas no son nativas. Nuestros resultados muestran la urgencia de desarrollar investigaciones que contribuyan a la documentación y el análisis de la información etnobotánica y hacen visible la importancia de TEK como un servicio cultural de los ecosistemas.

Conhecimentos ecológicos indígenas e recursos naturais: a descolonização inacabada / Conocimientos ecológicos indígenas y recursos naturales: la descolonización inacabada / Indigenous ecological knowledge and natural resources: unfinished decolonization

Este trabalho pretende ressaltar o conhecimento indígena tradicional ante o conhecimento eurocentrista em matéria de preservação da natureza e do patrimônio ambiental. Ante a atual crise ambiental, o resgate do conhecimento ecológico indígena aparece como uma alternativa para o desenvolvimento diante das ineficazes fórmulas de acumulação, vestígios do colonialismo. O sistema interamericano de proteção de direitos humanos tem contribuído com um reconhecimento dos direitos coletivos dos povos indígenas sobre suas terras e recursos naturais. Esse reconhecimento contém em si mesmo a aceitação dos conhecimentos ecológicos indígenas, os quais poderão contribuir para o estabelecimento de um novo modelo de desenvolvimento.

This paper aims to highlight traditional indigenous knowledge vis-à-vis Eu-rocentric knowledge regarding the conservation of nature and the preservation of the environmental heritage. Considering the environmental crisis, the validation of indigenous ecological knowledge appears to be an alternative to development in face of the ineffective recipe of accumulation of goods and other vestiges of colonialism. The Inter-American System of Human Rights has recognized the collective rights of indigenous peoples on their land and natural resources. This recognition contains in itself an acceptance of the indigenous ecological knowledge, which could contribute to a new development model.

Plantas silvestres con órganos subterráneos comestibles: transmisión cultural sobre recursos subutilizados en la Patagonia (Argentina) / Wild plants with edible underground storage organs: cultural transmission about neglected resourcesin Patagonia (Argentina)

En este trabajo documentamos el conocimiento y uso de plantas con órganos de almacenamiento subterráneos comestibles (POAS). Evaluamos los mecanismos de transmisión cultural por los que se difunde dicho conocimiento en 2 poblaciones rurales del Noroeste de la Patagonia argentina. Realizamos entrevistas (N = 34), observación participante y recolección de plantas. Los datos fueron analizados de forma cualitativa y cuantitativa. Un total de 6 especies son conocidas y actualmente 3 son utilizadas. La recolección ocurre mientras se realizan otras actividades como la cría del ganado o la búsqueda de plantas combustibles o medicinales. Los órganos subterráneos, en general, se consumen crudos in situ. El aprendizaje sobre las POAS ocurrió en la infancia por observación e instrucción por parte de adultos, principalmente las madres y las abuelas. La transmisión horizontal en contextos lúdicos también posee un papel importante. La singularidad de los contextos de uso y de aprendizaje confiere fragilidad a la continuidad de estos saberes y el mantenimiento de las prácticas de uso de las POAS.

In this study we documented the knowledge and use of wild plants with edible underground organs (PEUO). We have also evaluated the cultural transmission mechanisms in two rural populations of NW Argentinean Patagonia. Thirty-four informants were interviewed about this topic and they became part of participant observation and gathering join actions. Data were analyzed by quali and quantitative approaches. In total, 6 species are known by people, but only 3 species are used at present. Gathering occurs meanwhile other rural activities, such as cattle raising, medicinal plant collection or fuelwood gathering. Edible underground organs are generally consumed raw in situ. Cultural learning about plants with edible underground organs occurs in the childhood including observation and instruction activities from adults, mainly mothers and grandmothers. Horizontal transmission in ludic contexts has also an important role. The singularity about the learning and use contexts, give a certain fragility in the continuity in the practice of use of PEUO.

Fishers' resource mapping and goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara (Serranidae) conservation in Brazil

Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) aggregations and relative abundances were described and mapped through the use of fishermen's local ecological knowledge in Babitonga Bay in southern Brazil. Six well-experienced informants were asked to individually provide information about goliath grouper abundance and distribution, drawn over a satellite image of the study area, which was later overlaid and gathered into a final map. According to our informants, the goliath grouper occurs along a broad salinity and depth range, from shallow estuarine areas (less than 5 m deep) with high freshwater input (smaller individuals, up to 150 kg) to coastal marine-dominated environments (at least 35 m deep); (larger individuals more common, frequently reaching more than 300 kg). Fishermen referred to goliath groupers inhabiting hard substrates such as rocky reefs around islands and continental shores, submerged rocky outcrops and shipwrecks (juveniles and adults). At least two aggregation sites mapped (ranging from 2 to 60 individuals) could be concluded as spawning aggregation sites through evidence of high abundance and spawning activity. Priority research and conservation targets were identified and discussed for Babitonga Bay (e.g., design of a tagging experimental program and establishment of a marine protected area). Fishers' resource mapping provided a means of exchanging information among various disciplines while maintaining methodological rigor in a clear and straightforward way of presenting fishers' knowledge. The use of fishers' sketch maps is a promising tool for marine conservation in Brazil, with special regard to adaptive co-management regimes, where frequent environmental re-evaluations are needed.(AU)

A abundância relativa e agregações de meros Epinephelus itajara foram descritas e mapeadas através do conhecimento ecológico local de pescadores da baía Babitonga, sul do Brasil. Seis informantes muito experientes desenharam individualmente sobre uma imagem de satélite da área de estudo informações sobre abundância e distribuição de meros, seguindo-se de uma sobreposição das imagens em um mapa final. O mero ocorre ao longo de uma larga faixa de salinidade e profundidade (principalmente juvenis), de áreas estuarinas rasas (menos que 5 m de profundidade) com alta incidência de água doce, até ambientes costeiros marinhos (ao menos até 35 m de profundidade); (indivíduos maiores são mais comuns, alcançando mais de 300 kg). A espécie é também encontrada habitando substratos consolidados como recifes rochosos ao redor de ilhas e continente, parcéis submersos e emersos e naufrágios. Ao menos duas das agregações mapeadas (variando de dois a 60 indivíduos observados) puderam ser consideradas agregações reprodutivas através de evidências de alta abundância e atividade reprodutiva. Ações de pesquisa e conservação foram identificadas e discutidas para a baía Babitonga. O mapeamento de recursos possibilitou uma forma de trocar informações entre várias disciplinas, mantendo rigor metodológico e apresentando o conhecimento dos pescadores em uma forma clara e direta. O uso do mapeamento é uma ferramenta promissora para a conservação marinha, com atenção especial para abordagens de co-gestão adaptativas, onde frequentes reavaliações ambientais são necessárias.(AU)