Productos forestales no maderables de la comunidad El Tundo, cantón Sozoranga, provincia de Loja

Abstract

Abstract: Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) constitute an important source of subsistence for rural communities. The present study was carried out with the objective of identify NTFP as well as their traditional and current use in El Tundo community. The information was obtained through 30 oral interviews and field observations. Consensus among informants in each category of use was determined using (FIC), as well as other quantitative indices that allowed calculating the importance or cultural value (IVU), scientific validation (UST) and common use (IF) of the species. 123 NTFP were registered, of which 116 were vegetables and 7 animals distributed in 12 categories of use, of which stressed human medicine and material. The most locally versatile species are Juglans neotropica Diels, Myroxylon peruiferum L. f, and Verbena litoralis Kunth. Of the registered species, 33 constitute potential resources due to their high socio-cultural acceptance, while 8 of them presented the highest levels of fidelity (100%) in the entire community. This work contributes to value local knowledge to generate alternatives for the sustainable use and harvesting of biodiversity.