Diagnóstico da colheita de espécies forrageiras no Horto Florestal Olho D'água da Bica, Cuité-PB.

Abstract

The Horto Florestal Olho D'água da Bica (HFOBD) is an environmental protection area on the campus of the Federal University of Campina Grande in Cuité-PB, under the management of the Center for Education and Health (CES). Harvesting of forage grasses in the Horto is an ancient activity and of economic and historical-cultural importance for a part of the inhabitants of the municipality of Cuité-PB. The study of this activity is justified in the overlapping of the area of harvest with the area of environmental preservation. The objective of this research was to diagnose the current situation of forage grasses in the Horto area, UFCG campus. This is an exploratory and descriptive research. The aim was to characterize the number of collectors and their needs for collection, tools and transportation used, other types of forage exploited in the place, as well as the animals benefited by them. From this information it was intended to discuss some aspects related to the impact of the activity and conservation of the area. Data collection was carried out through field visits to observe collectors activities, informal conversations with them and Horto officials, application of research forms in interviews focused on harvest activity, and photographic records of activities. The data were recorded in field diary. The results are presented from the steps of activities observed in the field, discussed with the data collected through the different instruments (observations, conversations and objective questions). The results show activity a dynamic, evidence the importance of the harvest for some collectors and indicates impacts by the intensive exploitation, due to the high number of collectors. The results describe points of conflict of interest between exploitation and conservation. Considering the limits of this research, it is evident the need for more in - depth studies with the purpose of guaranteeing the management of the area, supporting future actions of environmental conservation, maintaining its historical and cultural role for the municipality of Cuité.