ENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTION AND UNSUSTAINABILITY: CRITICAL VIEW OF BACURI PRODUCERS AND COLLECTORS IN THE MARAJÓ MESOREGION, EASTERN AMAZON

Abstract

This article evaluated the environmental perception focusing on aspects of agronomic and environmental sustainability of small producers and collectors of bacuri in Mesoregion Marajó. The research was qualitative and quantitative, carried out in the municipalities of Soure, Salvaterra, Cachoeira do Arari and Ponta de Pedras. 52 semi-structured questionnaires for producers and collectors were applied. It was observed that 34 respondents carry out burning and deforestation activities in their establishments for agricultural purposes, such as cleaning the area and implementing swiddens, as well as burning domestic solid waste (65.4%), and 18 do not do the use of fire to perform such actions on their properties (34.6%). Small producers and collectors are aware of the harmful aspects of deforestation and fires, but they do it for the sake of survival. It is important that different governmental spheres seek to create concrete technological and economic  alternatives, which for this research recommends the management of bacurizeiros with local participation.