Historicidade e significado nas paisagens dos sistemas tradicionais de produção de erva-mate na bacia do Alto Iguaçu, sul do Paraná

Abstract

Through the interpretation of historical spatial management, this dissertation seeks to understand the phenomena that connect small-scale agricultural families to the Ombrophilous Mixed Forest environment. These ties are mainly linked to the cultural practice of cultivating yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in traditional agroforestry systems. To achieve this, the research included visits and data collection at six properties where the above-mentioned system occurs. Considering historical data, interviews and an analysis of landscape morphology, sketches of the properties were developed as interpretative sources. These sketches contain representations of overlapping historical landscape management practices that result from the socioecological interaction experienced over decades of yerba mate cultivation in traditional systems within family properties. Ultimately, elements that constitute the establishment of an environmental identity through the interaction between small-scale agricultural families and the forest were identified. Such elements can support and engage with public policies and actions that seek to protect the historical cultural practices maintained in traditional yerba mate productive systems. These agricultural practices preserve the rich agrobiodiversity of the Upper Iguassu River valley, as they are implemented in association with the living forest.