THE USE OF RESOURCES OF THE BRAZILIAN ATL ANTIC FOREST - THE CASE OF PONTA-DO-ALMADA (UBATUBA, BRAZIL)

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is considered one of the world's hot-spo ts for biodiversity conservation, in which caicaras are a typical popu lation, maintaining a close relationship with the environment, through fishing and small-scale agriculture. The purpose of this study is to obtain information about natural resource use (specially on plants and fish) at Ponta do Almada community (Sao Paulo State, Brazil). Data we re collected through interviews with residents, and through systematic observation about food consumption and fishing activities. About 152 folk plant species were mentioned as used for various purposes. Food c hoices and fish taboos are analyzed. Results show shifts in caicaras' original subsistence, yet maintaining a close relationship with their environment fr om agriculture to fishing. Other activities have been d eveloped, such as tourism and shell-fish cultivation.