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The social dynamics of deforestation in the brazilian amazon
Carlos Diegues, Antonio
Carlos Diegues, Antonio
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dp36.pdf
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Abstract
"The objectives of this paper are to review the main socio-economic relationships and processes leading to deforestation in the Brazilian Amazonia, to assess its apparent consequences for various groups of local inhabitants and to look at some of their collective responses. The most important process underlying the deforestation of the region is the accelerating economic incorporation into the national economy of the largest remaining frontier of Brazil (Amazonia represents over half of the nation’s territory). Capitalist investment has been taking place rapidly in the region. This process of investment and incorporation (the military speak of “occupation”) is leading to certain patterns of land concentration and skewed income distribution similar to those that exist in other parts of the country. The short period of time in which this most recent economic expansion in the region has been taking place, the relative absence of formal social institutions (including those of government) in this vast area, and the nature of the region’s natural resources have all contributed to high levels of conflict and violence. There are many conflicts of interests between different actors and social groups. On the one hand, there are the traditional dwellers of Amazonia - the Amerindian tribes, the riverine population and the rubber tappers. On the other hand, there are many newcomers to the region: representatives of multinational interests such as mining; national investors in the region’s resources and commerce; various public agencies as well as numerous landless low-income people from the south and north-east looking for ways to improve precarious livelihoods. The conflicts that ensue and their dynamics are closely reflected in changing patterns of land use and land tenure and of course have implications for the appropriation of natural resources by different groups. Changes from traditional land use such as rubber tapping, fisheries and shifting agriculture, to so-called “modern ones” such as cattle raising, intensive agriculture, land settlements, logging and mining, have lead to deforestation and conflicts. Government policy and strategy is another key element to understanding the deforestation of Amazonia. The policies have changed dramatically in the last 20 years, from promoting small-scale settlements to encouraging large agricultural livestock schemes and large mining projects. Every shift in government policy had a different impact on deforestation. Deforestation processes and their social impacts have shown different patterns in regions dominated by large estates such as in south-east Para and in areas more dominated by organized rural settlements, as in Rondônia in western Amazonia (see map). After examining the causes of recent deforestation, the paper looks at its impact on traditional population groups in the region as well as on new settlers. Their livelihoods have often been deeply and adversely affected. Their access to resources has been reduced or lost leading to increasing poverty and migration to new areas. As a result, there is an increasing disruption of their traditional ways of life and culture. The next section of the paper looks at some of the collective reactions of affected groups. Information on the social dynamics of deforestation processes remains relatively scarce, although a lot has been written on deforestation, itself. This paper represents a preliminary effort to put together relevant information and a bibliography related to the social forces and processes subjacent to deforestation in Amazonia. This review should help in identifying the principal issues and to formulate hypotheses to investigate through further research."(pg 6)
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1992-07
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With permission of the license/copyright holder