XVI International Botanical Congess

This paper addresses the question of how the Barí knowledge of their rainforest can be applied to conservation of biodiversity. The Barí are an indigenous people living in the northwest lowlands of Venezuela. The Barí have a refined perception of their vegetation. Their knowledge of their rainforest allows them to perceive the smallest details. They are able to name all the trees and to recognize them as belonging to different groups of plants. Their biogeographycal and ecological knowledge of these trees is quite impressive too. Based on a large collection of vouchers, 3,162 individual trees in 5 hectares forest plots, and interviews with 20 informants, my research suggests the Barí have a detailed knowledge of their forest and a very high potential use of it. This knowledge can be applied for the sustainable use of this forest and to conserve its biodiversity.8