Socio-Environmental Vulnerability in Western Amazonia: Proposal for a Conceptual Model for Territorial Management of the Guaporé Valley - Rondônia, Brazil

• Grant number: 24/15462-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Frederico Yuri Hanai
• Grantee: Regina Célia Macêdo do Nascimento
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/10445-9 - Socio-environmental characterization, territorial management diagnosis and analysis of the potential for sustainability at Vale do Guaporé Region, Rondônia State: challenges for sustainable tourism development, water management and environmental education, AP.R

Abstract

Western Amazonia has been experiencing constant environmental transformations due to factors such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, and anthropogenic activities. As a result, this region has progressively become more vulnerable from both environmental and social-economic perspectives. In this context, the research aims to study and propose a conceptual model for territorial management in Western Amazonia, specifically to identify and analyze the socio-environmental vulnerability of the Guaporé Valley region in the state of Rondônia, Brazil. To achieve this, a participatory mapping process will be conducted with the collaboration of traditional communities in the region, along with on-site visits to identify the main existing vulnerabilities. A Systematic Bibliographical Review will be carried out (to identify possible models and institutional arrangements for territorial management of communities), followed by an analysis of vulnerabilities based on the premises of its fundamental components (exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity). As a result, a conceptual model of territorial management will be developed, highlighting the socio-environmental vulnerabilities and integrating them into the study area. The research aims to provide a detailed understanding of the vulnerabilities in the Guaporé Valley, contributing directly to the formulation of regional public policies and benefiting local communities. The development of conceptual and participatory maps will serve as support to understand the integration of environmental, social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to the region's vulnerability. (AU)