The territorial environmental conflict in the traditional Vacarianas communities of Northern Minas Gerais and Projeto Bloco 8

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the environmental territorial conflict existing in the municipality of Fruta de Leite, involving the traditional Vacarianas communities that are fighting for their threatened territory due to the implementation of the mining project known as Projeto Bloco 8, promoted by the mining company Sul Americana de Metais S.A. (SAM). The methodological procedures used include literature research, document research, direct observation of the studied communities, interviews, field notes, and the creation of location maps. The Vacarianas communities demand the legitimization of their territories, their ways of producing and living, while SAM claims the potential economic development of the region. Government policies should pay attention to the social and environmental impacts of these ventures. It is important to reflect on the challenges faced by the Vacarianas people in terms of recognition as a traditional community, the maintenance of their traditions, and the preservation of their territories.