Envolvimento comunitário no controle de uma planta exótica invasora na Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais

Abstract

How to involve local people in the discussion and actions about management of a protected
area? We bring the experience of mobilization in the Serra do Cipó National Park around the challenge of
controlling Brachiaria grass. It is an invasive plant of African origin, introduced in Brazil for cattle foraging.
Besides being a solution for pasturing, it is a great problem for the Cerrado region, reducing biodiversity and
threatening traditional uses of natural resources. The control of this plant without reducing its importance
for local cattle raisers has been the central focus of the project Cipó Vivo. Managers, many stakeholders
of the neighborhood, researchers, local students and volunteers were engaged in outside experiences and
management interventions, as a invitation to perceive the value of the preserved vegetation and to discuss
the effectiveness of the management decisions, aiming the development of a learning community