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

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

This research received financial support of Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco (FACEPE); logistical support of the Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade – ICMBio, and the Fundação Araripe. In addition to these institutions, the authors would like to thank the harvesters from the Horizonte community and other local participants for accepting our presence and supporting us perform this study. To the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq) for the research productivity scholarship granted to UPA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Área de Engenharia Florestal, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, BR-104 Norte, Km 85, s/n, Mata do Rolo, 57100-000, Rio Largo, Alagoas, Brazil

    Rafael Ricardo Vasconcelos da Silva

  2. Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n, Jardim Rosa Elze, 49100-000, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil

    Laura Jane Gomes

  3. Departamento de Biologia, Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução de Sistemas Socioecológicos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

    Ulysses Paulino Albuquerque

Authors
  1. Rafael Ricardo Vasconcelos da Silva
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  2. Laura Jane Gomes
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  3. Ulysses Paulino Albuquerque
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Correspondence to Ulysses Paulino Albuquerque.

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Authorization was obtained through the Biodiversity and Conservation System (SISBIO) to develop the study at the NCU. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CEP) through Plataforma Brasil. All involved in the research signed a statement of consent (TCLE) as established by Resolution 466/12 of the National Health Council (CNS).

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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da Silva, R.R.V., Gomes, L.J. & Albuquerque, U.P. What are the socioeconomic implications of the value chain of biodiversity products? A case study in Northeastern Brazil. Environ Monit Assess 189, 64 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-017-5772-2

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