Abstract
We studied the management of the fiber-producing chambira palm Astrocaryum chambira by indigenous people in the Colombian Amazon. Between 2009 and 2012, we visited four communities and two marketing centers, where we interviewed 12 people. In addition, we specifically observed A. chambira harvesting, processing, and commercialization; studied palm populations at five localities; measured leaf production rate; and integrated secondary data. At least 21 aboriginal groups in the Colombian Amazon use chambira fiber. The palm grows in association with human communities, and it has been widely used and managed in past agroforestry systems. The fiber is obtained from the unexpanded leaves of juvenile or adult palms, and harvesting is often unsustainable because of overharvesting acaulescent palms or of cutting down adult palms. This is leading to a depletion of palm population. Annual leaf production rate was 1.59-2.89 leaves/palm year−1, which is lower than that reported in other studies. Based in our results, we recommended a harvest of 1 leaf/palm year−1 in acaulescent palms, and 1-2 leaves/palm year−1 in stemmed palms. Chambira-derived products are mostly handicrafts for marketing, and their trade represents 40%-100% of artisan household cash income. Improving the management of chambira palms requires the introduction of non-destructive harvest techniques and a wider use of the palm in agroforestry systems. An analysis of traditional management practices and of the role of chambira among Amerindian people indicates that A. chambira was an incipient domesticate at the time of the European conquest.
Highlights
Astrocaryum chambira is one of the most important palm species for the indigenous communities of the northwestern Amazon as the fibers obtained from its unexpanded leaves are used to make a great variety of products for daily needs, such as hammocks, bags, or fishing nets (Jensen & Balslev 1995; Vormisto 2002; Coomes 2004; Bernal et al 2011; Mesa & Galeano 2013)
As a method of integrating that information, this paper presents a complete documentation of the traditional management of A. chambira in the Colombian Amazon; sustainable and non-sustainable aspects of its harvest are identified and critical guidelines are mentioned to guarantee a sustainable use
The use of chambira fiber has been recorded among 21 aboriginal groups in the Colombian Amazon: Andoque, Awa, Coreguaje, Cubeo, Guayabero, Macuna, Miraña, Murui Muinane, Nonuya, Nukak, Ocaina, Piapoco, Sikuani, Siona, Taiwano, Tikuna, Tucano, Tuyuka, Witoto, Yagua and Yukuna (Wheeler 1970; Schultes 1977; Correa 1979; Pabón 1982; Garzón 1985; Galeano 1992; Morcote-Rios et al 1998; Antolinez 1999; Cadena 2005; Gallego 2005; Sánchez et al 2005; López et al 2006; Cárdenas et al 2007; Castaño et al 2007; Frausin et al 2010; Mesa & Galeano 2013)
Summary
Astrocaryum chambira (chambira or cumare) is one of the most important palm species for the indigenous communities of the northwestern Amazon as the fibers obtained from its unexpanded leaves are used to make a great variety of products for daily needs, such as hammocks, bags, or fishing nets (Jensen & Balslev 1995; Vormisto 2002; Coomes 2004; Bernal et al 2011; Mesa & Galeano 2013). Chambira products have gained great acceptance among tourists and craft stores, and the palm has become an important cash crop for indigenous families. Chambira fiber has long been popular in the Colombian Amazon, only in the last few years has it been introduced into the most important craft fairs in Bogotá (Linares et al 2008). Knowledge about chambira management practices and their impact on natural populations has not grown . Recently have ecological and ethnobotanical studies begun to consider the conservation status of populations, and alternatives to reduce the impact of its harvest (Lema 2003; Castaño et al 2007). Additional data from other localities were recovered from the literature in order to provide a regional view
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