Endangered aquatic plants and fiber crafts in Solis chico river basin: Urban impact and rural development in Uruguay

This research examines the interactions between artisans and the use of flora, focusing on aquatic macrophytes from the Solis Chico River Basin (Yasiry) in the Uruguayan pampa biome, within the context of current human and climatic influences. Recently, the Solís Chico River which runs for 47 km until it flows into the La Plata River, had a strong deviation to the west, causing coastal and wind erosion.  The study was descriptive and qualitative, conducted in a humid zone at 34º 45' 27'' S, 55º 41' 40.8'' W, using semi-structured interviews with artisans. The results revealed five species of importance to handicrafts with vegetable fiber, Juncus effusus, Typha angustifolia var. domingensis, Cyperus rotundus, Cynara cardunculus and Butia sp. The severe droughts in the last years (2022-2023) have made Cyperus rotundus more vulnerable, while floods affect Typha angustifolia. Eighty percent of the species cited by the artisans are on the Red List of Threatened Species, which could impact the bioeconomy of handicrafts soon.  The research suggests establishing forests for handcraft use and active germplasm banks to boost populations and support environmental sustainability, as these species also serve as bioindicators within the Solis Chico River Basin.