Local knowledge about dugout canoes reveals connections between forests and fisheries

Understanding Canoe Making as a Process of Preserving Cultural Heritage

“…The complex process of canoe making requires knowledge of the best trees for carving, the availability of resources in the landscape, and the local regulations governing access to these resources. This detailed knowledge, along with some of the people-forest connections, may get eroded, as has been happening elsewhere (Orofino et al 2017). As canoe makers are the ones who have the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and canoe making techniques, they should participate in the different processes of canoe protection that seek to encourage the sustainability of this cultural practice-for instance, educational actions with youth, and meaningful participation in policy decisions regarding the legal use of trees in the Reserve.…”

“…As fish was the major source of protein for them, having the appropriate technology was imperative to assure their daily diet (Milliken et al 1992). Orofino et al (2017) found no consensus for the preference in watercraft among the Azorean descendants of southern Brazilian coast. They found that some people favored canoes due to their properties, such as buoyancy, perceived safety advantage, and quietness, which facilitates fishing.…”

“…Dugout canoes have special significance as a cultural product for local, traditional, and Indigenous peoples worldwide (Gilmore et al 2002;Orofino et al 2017). They are a means of transportation of people and goods in more remote areas, where access by land is often difficult.…”

“…Despite this, researchers have been reporting declines in the practice of canoe making, with concerns that the traditional knowledge associated with this cultural practice may get lost or eroded. The decline of canoe making is related to the complexity of this skill (Lee et al 2001), the lack of access to natural resources (Paula et al 2019), the increase of aluminum boats (Orofino et al 2017), the influence of Western education (Brosi et al 2007), and the discouragement the youth face when learning this practice (Németh 2011). All these issues relate to the current scenario in Paraty, on the Perspectives based initiatives, such as canoe racing, also help raise awareness of the significance of canoes for Caiçara identity.…”

Goods and Services Associated with a Sandy Coastal Plain in Southeastern Brazil

“…It possible to observe that most of the area selected for study has undergone some type of human intervention for housing, roads, water well construction, diverse soil uses, among others, where the modified natural landscape represents the highest value (Orofino et al, 2017). This process may result in immediate extinction of some species, and according to Tabarelli et al (2010), expose surviving organisms to the effects of the altered environment over time.…”