A comercialização dos fitoterápicos amazônicos produzidos no Pará e na região do Baixo Amazonas e seus reflexos no desenvolvimento endógeno da 9ª sub-região do Amazonas

Abstract

Traditional Herbal Products (THPs) constitute an important expression of traditional Amazonian knowledge, as well as representing an economic activity associated with the use of regional biodiversity. In this context, this research aimed to analyze the commercialization of Amazonian herbal products produced in Pará and the Lower Amazon region, identifying their contributions to the endogenous development of the 9th Sub-region of Amazonas. The research was characterized as exploratory and descriptive, with a qualitative-quantitative approach, based on the inductive method and developed through a case study carried out in the municipality of Parintins. Data collection involved documentary research, semi-structured interviews, and observation, involving traders and producers of herbal products operating in the region. The results showed the existence of a wide diversity of Traditional Herbal Products marketed in the 9th Sub-region, produced from plant species widely associated with traditional Amazonian knowledge. It was found that the production chain involves suppliers located in rural communities and municipalities in the region, traders, producers, and consumers distributed across different Brazilian states and some international markets. The research identified that the commercialization of herbal medicines contributes to income generation, the appreciation of traditional knowledge, the economic use of regional biodiversity, and the strengthening of local economies. Challenges related to regional logistics, the seasonality of raw materials, and the regulatory requirements of the sector were also observed. It is concluded that the commercialization of Traditional Herbal Products has the potential to contribute to the endogenous development of the 9th Sub region of Amazonas, by promoting the articulation between natural resources, traditional knowledge, and economic activities capable of generating social, cultural, and economic benefits for the territory.