Territoriality and livelihoods on the Xingu: a study of the riverine population affected by the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam

• Grant number: 15/26744-1
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): May 11, 2016
• Effective date (End): December 21, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal researcher: Emilio Federico Moran
• Grantee: Maíra Borges Fainguelernt
• Supervisor abroad: Jianguo Qi
• Home Institution: Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais (NEPAM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Michigan State University (MSU), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 15/08842-6 - Socio-spatial changes in the Brazilian Amazon: a case study on territories of the of riverside communities affected by the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Plant on the Xingu River, BP.DR

Abstract

The main objective of the present research is to discuss and to investigate how riverine populations experience, respond, adapt and/or resist to processes of territory restructuring in the region affected by the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Plant. Accounting the historical invisibility of these cultural groups, the aim is to analyze the forms of appropriation of natural resources, social reproduction in the territory, social organization and territorial identity of these affected riverine populations. This project also contributes directly to the research coordinated by Professor Emilio Moran: "Social and Environmental Processes that Accompany the Construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Plant, Altamira, PA." Thus, we also intend to contribute for a wider reflection on the reduction of impacts of large infrastructure projects and to develop a better understanding of territorialities and ways of life of riverine populations in the Amazon region. The internship research abroad will be performed at the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations, Michigan State University (MSU), United States. In this research center I will be under the guidance of my PhD advisor, Professor Emilio Moran and my exchange supervisor, Professor Qi Jianguo - current coordinator of the center with vast experience in geography and environmental studies. During the required period of 07 months, starting in May 2016, the stage will aim to broaden the theoretical framework of this research developed in Brazil, to advance the geographic and anthropological perspective on the lives of the riverine populations in Amazon region and contribute to develop this new field. My project dovetails perfectly with the "thematic project SPEC" - supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) - which Professor Emilo Moran is responsible for. I believe I will have the support needs to get the most out of the opportunity and to gain additional international experience by coming to Michigan State University. As part of the activities during the period, it will also be contemplated the participation in scientific meetings organized by MSU, lectures and preparation of scientific manuscripts in partnership with researchers from the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations. (AU)