Introduction
The araucarias are sacred trees for the Xokleng people, in Santa Catarina. With a history dating back 200 million years, these trees are fundamental to the culture, history, and myths of origin of the Xokleng people. In this article, we will explore the importance of araucarias for the Xokleng people and how they are working to restore these sacred trees in their indigenous land.
The Importance of Araucarias
Araucarias are typical trees of the Atlantic Forest in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil. Each female tree produces dozens of cones, which in turn carry hundreds of seeds. The seed of the araucaria, known as pinhão, is consumed by at least 22 species of animals, in addition to humans, who have it as a source of nutrients and income.
For the Xokleng people, araucarias go beyond food, being part of the culture, history, and myths of origin. The Xokleng people's creation myth says that the protective animal was made from the araucaria, so it appears in the first story.
The Threat to Araucarias
Unfortunately, araucarias are threatened with extinction due to deforestation, urban expansion, and timber exploitation. It is estimated that currently, araucaria forests occupy less than 3% of their original area, which covered much of the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, in addition to small groups in other regions.
The Restoration of Araucarias
In 2016, Carl Gakran, executive director of the Instituto Zág, decided to act in favor of araucarias after discovering that the species was threatened with extinction. The Instituto Zág, which coordinates with his wife, Isabel, vice president and environmental director, has been working to restore araucarias in their indigenous land.
The restoration work includes the planting of new araucarias, the protection of existing trees, and the education of the community about the importance of araucarias. The Instituto Zág also works with other organizations and governments to protect araucarias and promote biodiversity conservation.
Conclusion
The restoration of sacred araucarias in Santa Catarina is an example of how the preservation of culture and biodiversity can go hand in hand. The Xokleng people are working to protect their sacred trees and promote nature conservation, and it is essential that we support these efforts to ensure the preservation of biodiversity and culture for future generations.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay