Descaracterização de projetos de assentamento agroextrativistas: o caso do PAE Santa Quitéria

Abstract

This study investigates the territorial and environmental management of Agro Extractive Settlement Projects (PAEs) in the state of Acre, with a case study focused on the PAE Santa Quitéria. The aim is to analyze the occupational and environmental data of PAE Santa Quitéria, obtained through the Occupational Supervision actions between 2021 and 2022. The PAEs were established by the National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform (INCRA) to promote the sustainable use of extractive areas through activities that combine economic viability, social justice, and ecological sustainability. Since their creation, PAEs have faced challenges related to the management of natural resources and adaptation to changes in the profile of the settled communities, reflecting in the reclassification of some projects into conventional settlement modalities. The research adopts a quali-quantitative methodological approach, combining document analysis, literature review, and a case study. The materials used include federal legislation and INCRA regulations, stipulating the commitment to environmental conservation in the settlements. Also analyzed were occupational supervision reports issued by INCRA to monitor compliance with environmental regulations and assess the situation of occupations in PAE Santa Quitéria. Additionally, satellite imagery data was used to identify changes in forest cover and land use patterns in the study area. The analysis methods included evaluating secondary data, such as official documents and technical reports, and reviewing the academic literature on land regularization, protected area management, and agro-extractive settlements. These sources allowed an understanding of the land occupation dynamics and the need for effective policies for sustainable territorial management in the Amazon. The results indicate that, although PAEs were created with the purpose of conserving the environment and promoting sustainable development, many face significant challenges such as illegal deforestation, improper land use, irregular occupation, and lack of infrastructure and technical assistance. The analysis of the occupational supervision reports identified non-compliant productive practices and highlighted the need for corrective measures, in addition to improvements in oversight and technical support for the settlers. It is concluded that there is an urgent need for the continuous adaptation of public policies and management models, in order to incorporate the socioeconomic and cultural specificities of Amazonian communities. The study suggests the implementation of corrective strategies for regularizing occupations and strengthening sustainable practices, ensuring that conservation and development objectives are achieved in an integrated manner. Thus, the study contributes to the improvement of public policies for agrarian reform and environmental management in Brazil, providing input for the development of more effective strategies for the conservation of natural resources and the promotion of sustainable development in the Amazon.