Woods of Itatiaia National Park: Ethnobotany and conservation of natural resources

Abstract

Ethnobotany tries to understand the relationship between people and plants. Currently, ethnobotany is a important tool to recognize the natural resources among many different societies. The general aim of this work was to identify how the community recognizes woods species as useful, and the influence of this knowledge on the conservation of natural resources in Itatiaia National Park. 63 interviews with the community were conducted in the area using a check list. The main uses were medicinal, feeding and fuel. As far as preservation is concerned, the community identifies itself as an instrument of conservation and shows notions of respect to the area.

Key words:
Ethnobotany; Conservation; Parque Nacional de Itatiaia; Woods.