História ambiental, etnicidade e gestão: convivência com o semiárido nos quilombos os Rufino e Umburaninha (2020-2023).

Abstract

This work aims, through an ecological-political approach, to understand the complexity of the environmental issue by bringing forth the perspective and protagonism of ethnic groups historically oppressed by colonization, who resist through the struggle for their territories and the defense of their ways of life. In the specific context of the semi-arid region of Paraíba, the quilombola population emerges as the protagonist of this resistance, facing the adversities of a region vulnerable to climate change and the lack of adequate socio-environmental policies. Therefore, the objective of this research is to analyze the history, insertion, and implementation of socio-environmental rights and the democratization of territorial and environmental management of quilombola communities located in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, considering the specificities of this region and the caatinga biome. Using an approach that combines bibliographic, documentary, and field research, the study aims to understand how these ethnic groups, especially quilombola communities, interact with the environment, their recognition as rights holders, and the structure of environmental management in their territories. For this purpose, field research was conducted in the Quilombola Communities Os Rufino, in Pombal - PB, and Umburaninha, in Cajazeirinhas - PB, where visits and interviews were conducted with leaders and residents of these communities. During these visits, we were able to understand the dimension of the quilombolas' relationships with their territories and local biomes, as well as the historical evolution and aspects of environmental management. The results highlight the rich history and traditions of quilombola communities in the region of the sertão of Paraíba, showing how their trajectory, culture, and ways of life have been constructed in the context of the semi-arid region.