Abstract
This thesis examines the new societies that emerged on a local level, resulting from conflicts
related to gold 'garimpo' in indigenous lands. The focus was on Kayapó ethnic groups,
specifically the Mekragnotire and Metuktire, and the Munduruku, both ethnics located in
southwest Pará state. The approach was interdisciplinary and relational and aimed to elucidate
the positions of multiple social actors within the political arenas of gold 'garimpo' at
indigenous lands. The thesis also looked forward to conflicts, negotiations, strategies,
narratives, and resources mobilized at local and regional levels. Semi-structured and
unstructured interviews were conducted with leaders of indigenous organizations,
'garimpeiros', garimpo's associations leaders, members of non-governmental organizations,
public officials, and others. The documentary investigation included interviews, letters,
legislative proposals, reports from official sources, news, and other media materials. The
thesis explored the historical context of emerging narratives surrounding gold 'garimpo' at
indigenous lands. The following narratives were reached: a narrative that considers 'garimpo'
from a positive point of view, as an instrument of integrating indigenous peoples into Western
Society; and another that considers the activity a threat to ethnic identity and environmental
conservation; also, narratives concerning the regulation and sustainability of 'garimpo'. The
results point to the emergence of two opposing arenas organized around the described
narratives: i) the Arena of Integration with Western Society; and ii) the Arena of
Strengthening Ethnic Identity and Environmental Conservation. The Sub-Arena of Regulation
of ‗Garimpo‘ on Indigenous Lands is located within both arenas. The results reveal that the
Kayapó and Munduruku face 'garimpo' challenges in different forms. The Kayapó subgroups
have successfully controlled the activity due to strong cohesion around Indigenous
Associations and an efficient model of common resource governance. However,
disagreements over 'garimpo' have led to fragmentation, with some villages separating from
the associations, aiming at expanding the activity. Among the Munduruku, the 'garimpo‘ has
occupied a significant portion of the territory, evidencing a loss of control by traditional
authorities. Also, the Munduruku suffer from internal fragmentation, reflected in the
proliferation of associations with different positions about 'garimpo'. The thesis details how
the Kayapó, despite the pressure from 'garimpo', developed political and territorial
governance strategies with transformative potential for sustainable futures. On the other hand,
the Munduruku, although also organized in associations, face social fragmentation. This
fragmentation leads to a scenario where the decisions are increasingly influenced by leaders
connected to 'garimpo', weakening traditional decision-making spheres. The thesis suggests
that effective public policies to combat 'garimpo' on indigenous lands should recognize and
support leadership and self-determination, through empowering Indigenous Associations.
These organizations should be recognized as formal administrators of financial resources
targeted for forest and biodiversity conservation. The relational approach adopted in this
thesis significantly contributed to understanding the complex social and political dynamics
that shape 'garimpo' at indigenous lands in Brazil, paving the way for new ethnographic
research that may deepen the understanding of the subject.
related to gold 'garimpo' in indigenous lands. The focus was on Kayapó ethnic groups,
specifically the Mekragnotire and Metuktire, and the Munduruku, both ethnics located in
southwest Pará state. The approach was interdisciplinary and relational and aimed to elucidate
the positions of multiple social actors within the political arenas of gold 'garimpo' at
indigenous lands. The thesis also looked forward to conflicts, negotiations, strategies,
narratives, and resources mobilized at local and regional levels. Semi-structured and
unstructured interviews were conducted with leaders of indigenous organizations,
'garimpeiros', garimpo's associations leaders, members of non-governmental organizations,
public officials, and others. The documentary investigation included interviews, letters,
legislative proposals, reports from official sources, news, and other media materials. The
thesis explored the historical context of emerging narratives surrounding gold 'garimpo' at
indigenous lands. The following narratives were reached: a narrative that considers 'garimpo'
from a positive point of view, as an instrument of integrating indigenous peoples into Western
Society; and another that considers the activity a threat to ethnic identity and environmental
conservation; also, narratives concerning the regulation and sustainability of 'garimpo'. The
results point to the emergence of two opposing arenas organized around the described
narratives: i) the Arena of Integration with Western Society; and ii) the Arena of
Strengthening Ethnic Identity and Environmental Conservation. The Sub-Arena of Regulation
of ‗Garimpo‘ on Indigenous Lands is located within both arenas. The results reveal that the
Kayapó and Munduruku face 'garimpo' challenges in different forms. The Kayapó subgroups
have successfully controlled the activity due to strong cohesion around Indigenous
Associations and an efficient model of common resource governance. However,
disagreements over 'garimpo' have led to fragmentation, with some villages separating from
the associations, aiming at expanding the activity. Among the Munduruku, the 'garimpo‘ has
occupied a significant portion of the territory, evidencing a loss of control by traditional
authorities. Also, the Munduruku suffer from internal fragmentation, reflected in the
proliferation of associations with different positions about 'garimpo'. The thesis details how
the Kayapó, despite the pressure from 'garimpo', developed political and territorial
governance strategies with transformative potential for sustainable futures. On the other hand,
the Munduruku, although also organized in associations, face social fragmentation. This
fragmentation leads to a scenario where the decisions are increasingly influenced by leaders
connected to 'garimpo', weakening traditional decision-making spheres. The thesis suggests
that effective public policies to combat 'garimpo' on indigenous lands should recognize and
support leadership and self-determination, through empowering Indigenous Associations.
These organizations should be recognized as formal administrators of financial resources
targeted for forest and biodiversity conservation. The relational approach adopted in this
thesis significantly contributed to understanding the complex social and political dynamics
that shape 'garimpo' at indigenous lands in Brazil, paving the way for new ethnographic
research that may deepen the understanding of the subject.
Translated title of the contribution | Gold mining arenas in indigenous territory in the region between the Tapajós and Xingu rivers |
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Original language | Portuguese |
Qualification | PhD |
Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 11 Nov 2024 |
Publication status | Published - 11 Nov 2024 |
Externally published | Yes |