Abstract

SANDOVAL-MONTES, Yuri; NUNEZ VILLALBA, Javier; MACHICADO SANCHEZ, Carla  and  CABRERA, Leonardo. Forest knowledge and climate change in cacao (Theobroma cacao), majo (Oenocarpus bataua) and asaí (Euterpe precatoria) in northern La Paz. RIIARn [online]. 2024, vol.11, n.3, pp.98-110. ISSN 2409-1618.  https://doi.org/10.53287/utcb5946so64b.

This article presents the results of research on ancestral knowledge and its relationship with climate change in the northern region of La Paz, Bolivia. Information was gathered through surveys of 119 local residents within the framework of the project "Integrated Management and Environmental Bioconservation of Forest Fruits in the Northern Amazon of the Department of La Paz (Phase 1)," funded by FONABOSQUE for the 2022-2024 management period. Climate change was identified as the main concern, affecting food security and causing migration to urban areas, which has had more pronounced adverse effects on communities. This led to linking the fieldwork with the collection of information on ancestral knowledge, forest management, and climate change, related to the investigated species: açaí (Euterpe precatoria), majo (Oenocarpus bataua), and wild cacao (Theobroma cacao), which are primarily produced in forested contexts. The results validated the study's hypothesis, showing that ancestral knowledge is more closely associated with forest conservation and productive activities in the study area. Moreover, ancestral knowledge was recognized as fundamental for forest conservation and productive activities, with widespread recognition of its importance in medicine and agriculture. However, significant challenges such as deforestation and habitat loss persist. In conclusion, it is crucial to develop effective adaptation strategies that integrate this knowledge into environmental management to ensure the sustainability of affected communities.

Keywords : ancestral knowledge; climate change; açaí (Euterpe precatoria); majo (Oenocarpus bataua); cacao (Theobroma cacao); northern La Paz.

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