Resistance in the Atlantic Forest

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) is a unique and shrinking biome, with less than 20% of its original coverage remaining. It has played a pivotal role in Brazil’s history, serving as the entry point for colonization and the centre of numerous economic cycles. This thesis explores the historical, environmental, and socio- economic transformations of Southern Bahia region near where the Portuguese first arrived in Brazil in 1500.
Deforestation and degradation due to extractive economies, agricultural expansion, urban development, and industrialization have diminished the forest, exacerbated climate change, and caused frequent environmental disasters. These activities have also led to the impoverishment and displacement of those with ancestral ties to the land. The core issues of land ownership and power concentration have fragmented communities and biomes, leading to severe socio-environmental consequences.
This thesis highlights the importance of revisiting the historical narrative of the Atlantic Forest landscape, by focusing on local communities’ perspectives and knowledge. These communities possess valuable practices that enable subsistence while preserving the environment. Their inclusion in territorial planning is crucial for sustainable futures.