Enzo Gonçalves Luciano
Dissertation project: Characterization of botanical composition, structure, and carbon stock of tree species in a pinhão production area in the highlands of Santa Catarina
Abstract: The numerous Brazilian vegetation types are intertwined with populations and practices that, whether through preservation or conservation, ensure the maintenance and continuity of these environments within national landscapes. In Southern Brazil, one particular vegetation formation stands out, the Araucaria Mixed Forest, characterized by a mosaic of forests and natural grasslands, whose central element is Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze. This phytophysiognomy has maintained a millennia-old relationship with human populations, from Indigenous peoples to successive waves of European and Afro-Brazilian settlers who have occupied the region. Currently, in the highlands (Planalto Serrano) of Santa Catarina, extractivist communities play a key role in harvesting the seeds of A. angustifolia, known as pinhão, along with other forest products. In addition to the commercialization of these resources, these communities also develop agroforestry systems typical of the region, integrating A. angustifoliawith other species of medicinal, food-related, and similar interest, thereby contributing to both the conservation and the active shaping of the landscape. Nevertheless, these same regions have been undergoing significant land-use changes, with native areas increasingly being converted into planted forests, croplands, and anthropogenic pastures. In light of this scenario, the present project aims to understand the composition and forest structure of areas used for pinhão extraction, in order to highlight their conservation potential and underscore their role as effective spaces for landscape maintenance and carbon sequestration. Moreover, through modeling, it will be possible to identify the main drivers shaping these environments, reinforcing the importance of maintaining traditional communities to ensure the continuity of these cultural forests. Finally, the project seeks to enhance the visibility of the Traditional Agroforestry System of Pinhão (SAT Pinhão) in the highlands of Santa Catarina, emphasizing its contributions to local biodiversity through extractivism.
