Algicultura sustentável e tecnologia social na Baía da Ilha Grande: sistematização de experiência de um curso na extensão

Abstract

Kappaphycus alvarezii is a species of red macroalgae widely cultivated in tropical Asian regions and its market is likely to grow in the coming years. In agriculture, its liquid extract is applied as a biofertilizer. In addition to being an important source of carrageenan, a polysaccharide used in the food industry as a: thickener, emulsifier, gelling agent and a stabilizer. Kappaphycus alvarezii is the starting point of the research and is inserted in the context of Social Technology applied to crops in the territory of Paraty Mirim (Paraty - RJ) where the Fazenda Escola is located, a partnership between UFRJ and a licensed seaweed farmer in the territory. This dissertation evaluated the Extension Project called “Algicultura na Baía da Ilha Grande” carried out from 2021 to 2023, aiming to train personnel through the extension course “Algicultura e Desenvolvimento Territorial Sustentável”. The analysis approaches began with the course and it’s entire administration and organization, as well as the impacts caused by this action. The research focused on 5 main aspects: from the point of view of the course as the unfolding of the organization, curriculum and social characterization of those enrolled; from the perspective of the legislation that involves the Union Water Use Assignment, the environmental license and the biofertilizer legislation, what are their impacts, offenders and deadlines; the assessment of Ilha Grande Bay's territory, from historical, geographic, cultural, environmental and temporal perspectives; the analysis of local entrepreneurship and the emergence of new businesses and opportunities; detailing the application of techniques available for cultivation, consolidated solutions and shared technology. The option for the Systematization of Experiences occurred because this methodology is a permanent and cumulative process in the production of knowledge based on experience in a specific reality. The research directs its analysis to the scenario during and after the extension course, demonstrating a significant improvement in the aspects studied, suggesting the consolidation of the production chain and fixing important points on the topic. This research highlighted a heated scenario for Kappaphycus alvarezii in the territory of Ilha Grande Bay, especially after the start of course activities. Overall, there has been a significant movement on algiculture in this region and in Brazil in the last 3 years. As a propositional consideration, the need for more coordinated actions between producers, public authorities and universities is suggested, with the aim of strengthening relationships and facilitating the development of new businesses in the region, in addition to in-depth studies on the topic.