Deforestation and environmental valuation of mangaba tree (Hancornia speciosaGomes) in Sergipe State, Brazil / Desmatamento e valoração ambiental da mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) no estado de Sergipe, Brasil

The aim of the current study is to evaluate deforestation in mangaba tree (Hancornia speciosaGomes) growing areas and environmental valuation in fairs held in Sergipe State, in order to suggest environmental service payment mechanisms to help conserving natural mangaba tree-growing areas in the state. Land use and cover, as well as deforestation, were measured based on MapBiomas data. Information about annual mangaba production was extracted from data provided by IBGE on Vegetable Extraction and Silviculture Production. The environmental valuation by mangaba consumers at fairs was measured through questionnaire application. Natural mangaba tree-growing areas in Sergipe State have shown low rates of forest cover and natural non-forest sites in the last 34 years. However, these areas are mainly used for agricultural purposes, a fact that compromises mangaba production. Sergipe State has shown considerable reduction in mangaba production rates from 1995 to 2016; however, such a production presented remarkable recovery in the last three years. Contingent valuation has shown that potential stakeholders are willing to financially contribute to the conservation of both mangaba trees and the Atlantic Forest.(AU)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desmatamento nas áreas de ocorrência de mangaba (Hancornia speciosaGomes) e a valoração ambiental nas feiras do estado de Sergipe, para que se possa propor mecanismos de pagamentos por serviços ambientais para conservação das áreas de ocorrência natural da mangaba no estado de Sergipe. O uso e cobertura da terra e o desmatamento foram quantificados com uso de dados do MapBiomas. A produção anual de mangaba foi extraída de dados da Produção da Extração Vegetal e da Silvicultura do IBGE. A valoração ambiental dos consumidores de mangaba nas feiras foi obtida por meio de entrevistas. As áreas de ocorrência natural de mangaba no estado de Sergipe em 34 anos apresentaram baixos percentuais de cobertura florestal e áreas naturais não florestais. Nessas áreas predomina o uso agropecuário, o que compromete a produção de mangaba. De 1995 a 2016 houve umagrande redução da produção de mangaba no estado de Sergipe, no entanto houve recuperação nos últimos três anos. A valoração contingente demonstrou que os potenciais stakeholders (tomadores de decisão) estão dispostos a contribuir financeiramente para a conservação das mangabeiras e da Mata Atlântica.(AU)

What are the socioeconomic implications of the value chain of biodiversity products? A case study in Northeastern Brazil.

The trade in biodiversity products has gained increasing importance in conservation and livelihood strategies. The aim of this study is to describe and analyze the socioeconomic aspects and dynamics of the production and commercialization of two important products of Brazilian biodiversity from the fruits of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. and Dimorphandra gardneriana Tul. Interviews were conducted with who were involved in the various stages of value chains. Data were analyzed under an analytical/descriptive approach. It was found that the two value chains under study, although they share the same production environment and workforce, are different models of the commercial appropriation of the forest environment: one is related to local traditions, whereas the other seeks to meet an industry-related demand originating from a multinational pharmaceutical company. Harvesters become highly dependent on the trends imposed by these markets. Thus, it is clear that promoting these products as a conservation strategy requires an understanding of how their value chains arise, are established, and operate.

Plant extractivism in light of game theory: a case study in northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Game theory enables the predictive study of the behavior of agents that recognize the mutual interdependence of their decisions and act rationally and strategically to maximize their own gains. In this paper, the extractivism of pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.) and fava d'anta (Dimorphandra gardneriana Tul.) in an area of common use of the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil is described as a model to illustrate a practical application of game theory in the interpretation of the phenomena analyzed in ethnobiological research. METHODS: Field research was conducted in the Araripe-Apodi National Forest. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 55 informants recognized as knowledgeable and experienced in the extractivism of pequi and fava d'anta in the region. In the interviews, information that could contribute to the identification and understanding of the focal points of extractivism in the region was surveyed. Data were analyzed under an analytical/descriptive approach using the "content analysis" technique. RESULTS: There was a logic of competitive entrepreneurship around the commercial extractivism of pequi and fava d'anta in the region. Among the extractivists of pequi, one of the main collection rules refers to the prohibition of removing immature fruits by using sticks or shaking the branches. In the extractivism of fava d'anta, no specific rules have been established by collectors, but there is a predominant behavior of withdrawing all available fruits (pods) on a tree in a single visit. In an analysis guided by game theory, the collection decisions adopted by extractivists to maximize gain from the activity can be considered justifiable from the standpoint of economic rationality. CONCLUSIONS: The "game of extractivism" of pequi and fava d'anta operates under conditions similar to the "tragedy of the commons." In this game, the non-cooperative solution is converted to the Nash equilibrium. The approach used in this study contributed to the identification of strategies and solutions to problems arising from the extractivism of pequi and fava d'anta.