A comparative view on the socioeconomic and environmental roles of protected areas: the case of conservation units in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil
The Brazilian conservation units, inserted in the context of the National System of Conservation Units, comprise an effective policy for the protection of biodiversity and natural resources. Despite this importance, much has been discussed about the implementation of conservation units and conflicts...
| Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | article |
| Status: | Published version |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Country: | Brasil |
| Institution: | Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBIO) |
| Repository: | Biodiversidade Brasileira |
| Language: | Portuguese |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:ojs.revistaeletronica.icmbio.gov.br:article/2446 |
| Online Access: | https://revistaeletronica.icmbio.gov.br/index.php/BioBR/article/view/2446 |
| Access Level: | Open access |
| Keyword: | Área protegida economia conflito socioambiental ecoturismo economía conflicto socioambiental Protected area economy socioenvironmental conflict |
| Summary: | The Brazilian conservation units, inserted in the context of the National System of Conservation Units, comprise an effective policy for the protection of biodiversity and natural resources. Despite this importance, much has been discussed about the implementation of conservation units and conflicts with local communities. From this perspective, we propose a reflection on the socioeconomic role of protected areas, based on the case of some conservation units in the state of Minas Gerais. To do so, we seek to relate an discuss the socio-environmental pressures suffered by the State Parks of Ibitipoca, Serra do Papagaio and Mata Seca, and also by the Sempre-vivas National Park, as well as discuss possible economic alternatives that reconcile biota conservation and financial income. We carried out this study from January 2021 to March 2023, based on experience reports, literature review, and also field records for the production of the book "Parque de Minas, Olhares Gerais". We found that local communities commonly put pressure on these conservation units, claiming the lands as being of primary economic interest, since the creation of parks would, in theory, restrict access to natural resources that were once important sources of income. We consider it essential that these conflicts receive more attention, in order to reduce existing tensions between protected areas and local communities. Successful conservation models indicate ecotourism combined with preservation as an important alternative, capable of benefiting the community as a whole rather than specific economic groups. |
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