Univille’s Xylotheque Expands International Cooperation Focused on Wooden Cultural Heritage

Univille has advanced another important international partnership focused on the research and conservation of wooden cultural heritage. A cooperation agreement has been formalized with the Italian National Research Council (CNR) and the TAREA Center – National University of San Martín (UNSAM). The collaboration aims to strengthen scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange between the countries.

The agreement provides for the development of research projects, scientific publications, and joint supervision of undergraduate and graduate students. “These scientific agreements provide an opportunity to engage in academic and scientific collaboration with renowned institutions in support of the natural heritage we have in our region,” emphasized Prof. Dr. João Carlos Ferreira de Melo Júnior, coordinator of the Joinvillea Xylotheque (JOIw).

According to the professor, a research project involving both institutions is already in its initial stages. The project will include a detailed investigation into the selection and cultural and historical use of forest species.

The first contact with the international institutions took place during the 3rd National Symposium on Historical Woods (SINAMADHI), a scientific event that promotes interdisciplinary discussions on heritage, sustainability, and climate change.

In addition to participating in the symposium, a welcoming meeting was held with professors Sergio Medrano from the National University of San Martín and Nicola Macchioni from the National Research Council, coordinated by João Carlos Ferreira de Melo Júnior and Dr. Juliana Bustamante, International Affairs Advisor at Univille.

Collection contains more than 3,000 wood samples from the Atlantic Forest in Santa Catarina

The only xylotheque in the state of Santa Catarina, the Joinvillea Xylotheque began its activities in 2005 with a detailed catalog organized by species, genus, and family. It also serves as a teaching and research facility for students. The collected samples contribute to biodiversity conservation and provide an overview of the dynamics of Santa Catarina’s flora.

“We know that the historical use of forests, particularly this type of forest, has caused extensive devastation of this biome. From a historical perspective, we can identify properties in these species that resemble those of great economic interest, and we aim to promote sustainable forest management,” explains.

  Along the same line of research, and in partnership with the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Univille coordinates a research group involving 11 higher education institutions from across Brazil. The team is dedicated to “advancing knowledge about the historical use of forests and their timber by different human societies,” with a focus on species identification, anatomical characterization, and the technological use of wood.

The researchers are affiliated with the following universities:

• Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (JBRJ)

• Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ)

• Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF)

• Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA)

• Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA)

• Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC)

• Universidade de São Paulo (USP)

• Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel)

• Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT)

• Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)

• Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG)