Infographics about the juçara palm tree from the Atlantic Forest and a proposal for an environmental education experiment on silting, for the "Plantando Águas" (planting waters) magazine of Instituto Iniciativa Verde (Green Initiative Institute).
Illustrations: Patricia Yamamoto
Text: Marina Vieira Souza
Layout: Cyntia Fonseca
The juçara palm (Euterpe edulis) stands as a vital species within the Atlantic Forest, serving as a beacon of biodiversity. Its fruits offer sustenance to a diverse array of creatures including toucans, monkeys, tapirs, and jacus during lean periods in the forest.
However, relentless extraction of its palm heart has pushed the species to the brink of extinction. Yet, there's hope. By harnessing the fruit and processing it into a pulp akin to the Amazonian açaí, we can promote sustainable exploitation. This approach allows the palm to persist, fulfilling its ecological role for an extended duration, while also yielding seeds that can be cultivated into seedlings to restore degraded areas.
Erosion and silting are processes that not only lead to soil loss but also degrade water quality. Erosion refers to the wearing away of soil by water and wind, often exacerbated by human activities. The sediment, including soil and sand, that is eroded is deposited in watercourses, leading to silting. Silting, in turn, can diminish water flow velocity, alter the course of rivers, reduce the capacity of lakes and reservoirs, and compromise water quality.
This experiment, designed for an environmental education workshop, demonstrates how vegetation can mitigate erosion and silting in rivers and springs.