What yerba are we talking about? Wild yerba mate: Knowledge and acceptability of conservation

This study assessed the perceptions and acceptance of conservation strategies for native populations of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in Uruguay. A total of 770 individuals (101 farmers and 669 members of the general public) participated in structured surveys. Only 11.7% of respondents could identify the plant, with farmers demonstrating significantly higher recognition ability. Willingness to conserve the species was high (92.3%), primarily driven by its cultural significance. Four conservation strategies on private lands were evaluated: protected areas, conservation payments, species management and legal regulations. Acceptance varied among groups: farmers preferred voluntary measures (e.g., conservation payments), while the general public supported protected areas and regulations more strongly. Our analysis indicated that the acceptance depended on factors such as cost-benefit perceptions of protected areas and species recognition. These findings suggest that the cultural value of yerba mate may serve as a key driver, highlighting the need for participatory strategies that reconcile environmental protection with local community interests.