Cooperação e conflitos na gestão da Reserva Extrativista Marinha de Maracanã, Estado do Pará

Abstract

Extractive reserves are areas of common use devoted to the conservation of natural resources, and intended for traditional populations. The management model performed in this type of Conservation Unit must take place through the establishment of formal rules which enable regulating the exploitation of natural resources in the area, in addition to allowing participation of the local community. The objective of this study is to examine the cooperation and conflicts among users in the management process of the Maracana Extractive Marine Reserve, State of Pará. This study used a qualitative approach, through which techniques such as observation and interviews were used to collect a variety of data otherwise accessible only by establishing a direct contact with the individuals participating in the action. Primary and secondary data were surveyed. Therefore, five field surveys were carried out. In the field surveys, it was possible to monitor the implementation of different activities related to collective management of the area, and twenty-five semi-structured interviews were applied. Literatures with approaches related to the issues being considered were accessed. The main collective space for decision-making, the Deliberative Council of the Maracana Extractive Marine Reserve (MEMR) comprises several authors, in addition to the users which participate representatively. However, the meetings have not been held regularly. The Committees, which are organizational structures composed solely of users who propose to collaborate with the management of MEXMR are highlighted in the process. Finally, the Committees are considered differential in the management process of this conservation unit, and an initiative intended to increase the participation of traditional populations in the management of that space, as to ensure the conservation of natural resources as stated in the official management tools of the area. However, the simple creation of organizational structures, if, for example, devoid of support material and coercive power, will not be consolidated as the solution to remedy the existing weaknesses in the management of natural resources of that space intended for common use.