COMMUNITY NURSERIES
Nurseries play a crucial role in ensuring the maintenance and reproduction of agrobiodiversity in traditional communities. They strengthen environmental health, promote food and nutritional security and sovereignty, and create opportunities for income and employment generation. In addition, nurseries contribute to the preservation of native species and the recovery of degraded ecosystems, integrating sustainable practices that value traditional knowledge and local biodiversity.
PROBLEM SOLVED
Limited access to the means and resources needed to implement, maintain and manage agroecosystems is a critical factor that restricts the reproduction of agricultural, health, cultural and ecosystem conservation activities in the territories of traditional communities. The need to acquire these means and resources through purchase directly impacts the autonomy of agricultural production processes, as well as the transmission and practice of traditional knowledge. In addition, this financial dependence affects the economy of families, who need to secure financial resources for these acquisitions.
The quality of the means and resources, such as varieties of forest species, seeds and seedlings, is also a determining factor for the maintenance of traditional knowledge, sustainability, resilience and reproduction of agroecosystems. The lack of access to quality resources compromises the effectiveness of agroecological practices and the preservation of local biodiversity.
Nurseries ensure the availability of high-quality forest species, seeds and seedlings, promoting the sustainability and resilience of agroecosystems. Furthermore, the autonomy of communities is strengthened, reducing financial dependence and allowing the continuity of traditional agricultural and cultural practices.
SOLUTION ADOPTED
The structuring of community nurseries begins with a survey of the community's demands and objectives in relation to the conservation of agrobiodiversity, food security, income generation and employment. Next, it is necessary to identify a suitable location for the nursery, considering factors such as water availability, easy access and protection from the elements. The preparation of the necessary infrastructure includes shading, irrigation systems and space for growing seedlings.
The next step is to carry out a survey of the plant species of interest to the community, taking into account their cultural, food and economic importance. It is essential to seek quality seeds, preferably from the region itself, considering genetic diversity and adaptation to the local environment. The appropriate substrate for growing seedlings must be prepared, meeting the specific needs of each species. Planting of seeds or vegetative propagation of seedlings must follow appropriate techniques, and the development of seedlings must be monitored, ensuring care such as irrigation and fertilization.
Proper management of the nursery includes protection against pests and diseases, control of invasive plants and maintenance of the infrastructure. The exchange of knowledge among community members about seedling care practices and sustainable management is continually promoted.
A specific example is the nursery for medicinal plants of traditional Guarani use that is being implemented in the Yakãa Porã Village in Ubatuba/SP. This nursery was identified as an important means of maintaining knowledge and biodiversity managed by families, especially older women. After sharing information about indigenous medicine and health among five Guarani villages in the municipalities of Ubatuba/SP, Paraty and Angra dos Reis/RJ, a list of plants was drawn up by people with knowledge of traditional health in the villages. Actions to maintain and reproduce these species were identified as essential. The implementation of the nursery in the village is underway, reflecting a collective effort to preserve and value traditional knowledge and local biodiversity.
RESULT ACHIEVED
The implementation of the social technology of community nurseries brings significant benefits to the communities involved. Firstly, it promotes and guarantees food and nutritional security and sovereignty, ensuring continuous access to nutritious and culturally appropriate foods. In addition, it encourages healthy eating by integrating medicinal plants and traditional foods into the daily diet, improving the overall health of community members.
The generation of employment and income is another important impact, creating job opportunities and enabling the marketing of seedlings and products derived from plants. This strengthens the local economy and the economic autonomy of communities.
Community nurseries also play a crucial role in the defense of territory and sociobiodiversity, conserving plant species of cultural and economic interest and protecting local biodiversity. The valorization of traditional knowledge associated with these species strengthens the cultural identity of communities.
Finally, the production, dissemination and use of phytotherapeutics are widely promoted, facilitating access to traditional healing practices and strengthening traditional medicine.
In short, community nurseries achieve significant results in promoting food security, healthy eating, generating employment and income, defending the territory and sociobiodiversity, and in the production and use of herbal medicines, reflecting a significant advance in the health, well-being and autonomy of the communities involved.