The traditional knowledge and the vegetal extractive activity in the Xingu River RESEX, Terra do Meio, Para

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the traditional knowledge is related to the vegetal extractive activities
practiced by the riverine people of the Rio Xingu RESEX, state of Para. Interviews were
conducted within 23 families, as well as direct and participant observation and walking in the
areas of use. The riverine people have knowledge passed on and improved by generations
which contributes to the family’s work organization to develop activities both in the areas of
use in the rubber and chestnut plantations, as in other productive activities. In relation to commercialization,
it was possible to observe that there are still relations of exchange that show
traces of clientelism and aviamento. In recent years, partnerships with companies and NGOs
have modified these historical relationships in the trade of extractive products. It remains to
understand how these new relationships will reflect on the autonomy of the groups, as well as
contribute to the improvement of local life quality.