Análise da cadeia produtiva do jacaré da reserva de desenvolvimento sustentável Mamirauá, estado do Amazonas

Abstract

Caimans always feature among the hunted species in Amazon, what, together with signs of recovery of some caimans populations in protected areas and a legal framework that supports the use of natural resources in sustainable use conservation units, indicated the possibility of developing a system of sustainable management of caimans in the State of Amazonas. This research aimed to analyze the caiman production chain in the region of the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve (SDR Mamirauá). The research was of a qualitative and descriptive-explanatory approach. The analysis model was the Zylbersztajn agribusiness system and the data collection consisted of documentary surveys, interviews, questionnaires and participant observation carried out between 2013 and 2019. Information was collected from 245 production chain actors. Hunting for bait sale and the sale of salted meat generate greater financial returns for individuals, while the sale of eggs, handicrafts and most of the meat trade are opportunistic and small-scale. All forms of traditional use generate quick financial returns with little investment, however, with the exception of meat and egg consumption, they are legally prohibited. Community management has been structured since 2003, based on research and advisory actions that guarantee sustainability in the use of caimans. The gains provided are on community scale, which promotes local development. The management system generates products of higher quality and added value, however, it faces management problems, infrastructure and high cost for its development. All caiman exploitation activities are seasonal, due to the influence of the water level on the animals' biological cycle. It can be concluded that the traditional use of caiman is unlikely to stop, due to the conditions of the communities. In the medium and long term, community management can improve living conditions in communities and caimans conservation status.