The extraction of aerial roots of imbé vine (Philodendron corcovadense) in Garuva-Santa Catarina State, Brazil.

Abstract

The harvesting of imbé vine and its transformation into crafts is a traditional activity in SC State. In themunicipality of Garuva about 200 families earn their living from this activity. The aim of this study was to identify and systematize the chain of harvesting and processing the vine. Based on interviews and participant observation we drew a flowchart of the production chain, a rich picture of the problem-situation and elaborated scenarios for different collection intervals. The collection and use of vine involves collectors, collectors/artisans and artisans, who have developed good knowledge for the management of the species. But the growing market pressures the natural stocks of the resource, a situation exacerbated by the recent arrival of“new collectors”from outside of the communities. The collection exclusively on third party forests, the increasing distances to access the resource, and the monopoly by middleman of handicrafts trade put the traditional cipozeiros in a vulnerable situation. The case is another example of non-forest timber product with unrealized potential to improve the living conditions of local communities