Mobilização e conflitos em torno da criação de uma Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável no Campo da Mangaba, Maracanã-PA

Abstract

The study had the rare opportunity of following the process of creating a Conservation Unit. The perceptions of the local players surrounding the proposal of creating the Sustainable Development Reserve (RDS) Campo das Mangabas (Municipality of Maracanã, state of Pará) were evaluated focusing on the actions and positions with respect to the proposal. A qualitative approach was used in this study, using theoretical and field research, observations, and semi structured and informal interviews in the ten communities comprising the area. Data were also collected in the county seat and two interviews were carried out in the city of Belém. Results showed that the mobilizations for the protection of natural resources of Campo da Mangaba began due to threats to the local biodiversity. Factors such as burning and disorderly occupation create conflicts over land ownership and the use of natural resources, among other problems listed in the research study, and endanger the survival of the ecosystem and of traditional populations which have an important labor activity in extracting mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) and bacuri (Platonia insignis). The creation process officially began as of 2007, when several class actions with gatherings, meetings and public consultation occurred, promoted by local organizations and the Secretary of State for the Environment of the state of Pará. Most interviewees endorsed the creation of the reserve, although there are conflicts in micro scale. Three positions emerged regarding the proposal of creating the Conservation Unit: for, against and no opinion on the matter. Difficulties in understanding what is a Sustainable Development Reserve were also recorded. There was a time interval from the public consultation carried out by communities in September 2013 to the end of this research. The enactment of the Reserve depends only on the state government, given that the necessary legal formalities were fulfilled.