Metamorphosis of the table land

eucalyptus monoculture and expropriation of land and water in Alto Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Since the mid-1970s, the Jequitinhonha valley has been the target of public government incentives for the implantation of eucalyptus monocultures. The government's objective was to occupy and integrate the region as a supplier of raw materials for the steel complex. The rural population of this region watched in astonishment as land grabs and restrictions on the use of "veredas" waters implemented by monoculture companies; then they associated the growing scarcity of water with double expropriation, of land and water. This article analyzes changes in the ways of managing natural resources, their influence on water and their effects on rural communities. The methodology articulates social, spatial and agronomic research techniques. The results indicated that the eucalyptus monocultures influenced the water dynamics, drying up water sources, causing water insecurity in localities, generating environmental, cultural and socioeconomic costs for the farming communities, for the public power and for society.