Rubber Tappers
Rubber tappers are individuals who harvest latex from rubber trees, primarily the Hevea brasiliensis species. This process involves making careful incisions in the tree's bark to collect the milky sap, which is then processed into rubber. Rubber tapping is a sustainable practice that allows the tree to continue growing and producing latex for many years.
The rubber industry plays a significant role in the economies of several tropical countries, including Brazil, Thailand, and Indonesia. Rubber tappers often work in remote areas, and their livelihoods depend on the health of the forests and the demand for natural rubber, which is used in various products like tires and footwear.