Vegetal Charcoal is an important source of energy used by one-third of the world’s population to meet their needs. For millions of people, its trade is the main source of income, providing a vital economic safety net.
According to FAO data, about 3.7 billion cubic meters of wood were extracted from the world’s forests in 2016, 17 percent of which became charcoal. This process represents an important resource for many nations. For example, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in 2019, for 87% of the population, charcoal is the main energy source for local communities. However, widespread use contributes significantly to deforestation.
In Italy, traditional charcoal production has ancient roots dating back to Phoenician times. Although this practice played a crucial role in the country’s energy and industry for centuries, today it is slowly disappearing, replaced by alternative energy sources.
However, in places like Serra San Bruno, ancient charcoal-making techniques still endure, handed down from generation to generation despite the toil and wear and tear of labor. In contrast, nations such as Cuba have found in the use of invasive plants, such as the “Marabou,” a unique opportunity for the production of high-quality charcoal without harming the forest environment. This practice, which is based on the hard work of people. has not only generated significant revenue for the Cuban economy currently in severe crisis, but has also demonstrated that it is possible to reconcile charcoal production with eco-sustainability, offering an example of balancing energy needs and environmental protection.
Using an anthropological approach, I aim to explore the method of charcoal production, highlighting the similarities that exist between different cultures during the process and bringing out the resulting environmental implications.
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