Value chain for tropical wet forests: a possible model

Abstract

The use of indigenous resources has a model for sustainable development in the Amazon communities in southern Colombia. For camu camu, a management plan for the community of Tarapaca was developed to standardize product quality during the harvest stage. Asai, a super fruit, has a management plan in the districts of Madrono and Villa Marcela. In the case of asai, an area of 550 ha has been established, of which 450 ha is designated for exploitation and management of the population, with the remaining 100 ha to be used for conservation. Estimated fruit production in the exploitation area is 70.5 t, of which the maximum use is 75%, which allows for the regeneration of the population and the fauna in the area. The inhabitants of both districts have actively participated in different activities of the management plan, including biological evaluations, collection, monitoring and resource management. In the Amazon, the low level of technological assistance available for agriculture, livestock and forestry is a problem, which directly impacts on the conflict between commercial use and the conservation management of natural resources. The implementation of different production, use and management plans could create the following benefits: transfer and adoption of technology in activities of production, protection and conservation of natural resources; strengthening social relationships; cementing the participation of all actors in different production systems; and increasing the income and general living conditions of households. The antioxidant compounds in these species, along with their biological activity, must be identified and quantified to facilitate the commercialization of the species.