EPA hosts colombian botanist for lecture on fig trees, traditional knowledge, and biodiversity at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

The second edition of EPA – Ethnobotany With Open Doors, organized by the Extension Program in Ethnobotany and Medicinal Plants of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, will take place on June 30 at the Medicinal Plants Thematic Collection.

This edition will feature Colombian botanist Ángelo Plata Castro, who will present the lecture “Fig Trees, People, and Landscapes: Traditional Knowledge as a Strategy for Conserving Biodiversity and Latin American Identity”, followed by an open discussion.

Ángelo holds a degree in Biology from the Industrial University of Santander (UIS), Colombia. He earned a master's degree in Botany and is currently a PhD candidate at the National School of Tropical Botany of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute (ENBT/JBRJ) under the supervision of Dr. Leandro Cardoso Pederneiras. His current research focuses on the integrative taxonomy of Ficus (Moraceae), with an emphasis on species delimitation using morphological, anatomical, genomic, and biogeographical evidence.

During his master's studies, Ángelo conducted taxonomic and historical research on Ficus sect. Americanae in northeastern Colombia. In addition to his academic work, he is dedicated to science communication and to promoting traditional knowledge associated with fig trees, seeking to strengthen the dialogue between science and local ecological knowledge as a pathway for conserving biodiversity and Latin America's biocultural heritage.

Participation is free of charge. Registration must be completed through the registration form. Attendance is limited to 50 participants.

The lecture will also be streamed live in Google Meet. Access the link here.

Event Information

EPA – Ethnobotany With Open Doors (2nd Edition)
Lecture: Fig Trees, People, and Landscapes: Traditional Knowledge as a Strategy for Conserving Biodiversity and Latin American Identity
Speaker: Ángelo Plata Castro
Date: June 30 (Tuesday)
Time: 2 p.m.
Venue: Medicinal Plants Thematic Collection, Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Access: 915 Pacheco Leão Street, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.