Biodiversity, Social Actors and Networks Enlarging the Dialogues

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the social actors networking towards the feasibility of using native biodiversity for food production based on an empirical study conducted in South Brazil. Specifically, the North Coast Region has had a series of environmental problems resulting in conflicts on the use of resources. The search for solutions and public debate brought together farmers’ organizations, social movements, NGOs, government agencies, and academic groups. Recently, some of these actors established a common platform to raise food production based on native species of fruits giving rise to the ‘agrobiodiversity network’ in part by the activation of pre-existing networks but also requiring the entry of new players. On the other hand, forming agreements between different actors to consolidate the network has been difficult especially about the issue of rules that limit the access to native species and those that regulate food processing. The analysis has shown that the involved actors are amplifying the dialogues and collective learning processes thus building a common ground and shared beliefs.