Uso de recursos naturais por seis comunidades ribeirinhas da Volta Grande do Xingu

Abstract

The Amazon basin has a potential for harnessing its water resources, which has been explored by building hydroelectric plants to meet the growing demand for energy generation. However, hydroelectric plants cause great transformations in the use of natural resources, such as fishing and the use of forest resources. This is the case of the construction of the Belo Monte hydroelectric plant (UHE) on the Xingu River, west of Pará. In the research, we studied what changes occurred in the use of medicinal plants, fishing, and hunting after the construction of the Belo Monte UHE, in six communities in region of Volta Grande do Xingu. 45 semi-structured interviews were carried out, with the application of tests with families who live next to the river after the construction of the Belo Monte HPP and who exercise or have already used flora, hunting and fishing activities, both for commercial purposes and for consumption. domestic. The frequency of use of each species for hunting, medicinal plants and fishing was observed. There was a reduction in species appreciated for consumption of fish and wild animals (game). In the use of medicinal plants, andiroba obtained the highest frequency of use. Thus, considering the results, that the use of medicinal plants in riverside families occurred after the construction of the Belo Monte HPP, for fishing and hunting there was a reduction of species appreciated for consumption, and consequently these factors provoke changes in the way of life of riverside families.