Núcleo de estudos-Online

Núcleo de Estudos
Center for Studies in Araucaria angustifolia of
Minas Gerais - NEAa-MG
Person in Charge:
Professor Carolina Maioli Campos Barbosa
anabarbosa@dcf.ufla.br
Institutional Information:
www.dcf.ufla.br
Background:
The initiative for the creation of the Center for Studies
in Araucaria angustifolia of Minas Gerais (NEAa) arose
in 2012, when a graduate student of the Department of
Forestry Science, Joelma Aparecida Rabelo de Pádua,
noted the lack of academic studies on the Parana pine
in the Southeast region, especially Minas Gerais. The
Parana pine features in several lists of threatened forest
species, which makes it even more urgent to intensify
efforts to increase knowledge about the species, such
as studies of genetic diversity, dynamics of Parana
pine forests, growth and development, phenological
events, climatic vulnerability, ethnobotanical studies,
among others. Thus, the center began its activities
aiming mainly to bring together ongoing work with
the species in Minas Gerais, publicize the research and
identify challenges and knowledge gaps. This work
begins at home, at UFLA, where several professors
have developed research on the species. Besides
working with the scientific environment, the center
has also interacted with society. In 2013, more than
100 seedlings of Araucaria angustifolia were donated
to individuals and philanthropic entities. In that year,
we had the opportunity to work on the theme with
elementary school students from Lavras, an experience
that further awakened the NEAa to the development
of environmental education projects.
Overall Objectives:
To train undergraduate and graduate students in the
required knowledge and skills to understand, define
and develop coffee quality. The center seeks to be a
reference point in training professionals with expertise
to work on improving the quality of Brazilian coffee.
Areas of Expertise:
1. Environmental education: Activities to inform about
the threat status of the species and raise awareness
within the university and through social media.
2. Extension: Development of thematic booklets and oncampus
classes at UFLA offered to schools of Lavras.
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