ANALYSIS OF PANC IN THE STATE OF RIO GRANDE DO NORTE: IDENTIFICATION, MAPPING AND AGROECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Biodiverse food, environmental sustainability; food production.
Thinking about the immense plant diversity of Brazil, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, the importance of studying its flora is fundamental so that we can use it in a conscious and sustainable way. Within this context, the use of Unconventional Food Plants (UFP) is an important strategy for expanding the food supply and thus meeting the growing demand for organic food and new food sources. Unconventional Food Plants (UFP) are plants with one or more edible parts, whether spontaneous or cultivated, native or exotic, that are not included in our daily menu. Many PANCs have important nutraceutical, functional and antioxidant properties, among other bioactive qualities that can be found in vegetables. They also demonstrate a remarkable ability to adapt to different climates, soils and water availability, which makes them valuable for regions with challenging agro-ecological conditions. Their resistance to pests and diseases can also reduce dependence on pesticides and agrochemicals, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices with less environmental impact. Supporting sustainable agricultural practices and planting home gardens, for example, are not only feasible, but can also protect renewable resources and promote sustainability and food security. In the context of the association between environmental sustainability and food security, the main objective of this master's research is to analyze the importance of consuming PANCs as an alternative food for promoting biodiversity and environmental sustainability. The work has therefore been structured as follows: Chapter 1, which will deal with PANCs and the environment; Chapter 2, which will deal with biodiverse foods; and Chapter 3 (under construction), which will deal with PANCs in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. At the end of this research we will have 2 products, in addition to the articles that will make up chapters 1, 2 and 3. The products are: An inventory of the most commercialized PANCs in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, considering the open-air markets in the municipalities of Natal, Caicó and Mossoró. The three municipalities were chosen because they are the most important in their respective intermediate geographical regions (IBGE 2024); an educational booklet on PANCs and their importance. The final schedule will explain the stages of the research.