ID: 1512
Presenting Author: Juliana Melo
Session: 590 - Territorial Security in Communities Impacted by Industrial Activities
Status: pending
Offshore oil and gas threaten artisanal fisheries in Brazil; blue justice calls for land rights and income policies to secure their territorial permanence.
During the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), Brazil stands out as a key oceanic nation, with its “Blue Amazon” of 5.7 million km² providing vital ecosystem services. Artisanal fisheries are central, employing about 1 million fishers—49% women—and supplying 60% of national production. Yet, these communities, especially in southeastern Brazil, face increasing pressures from offshore oil and gas industries. Drawing on the concept of blue justice, which connects environmental justice, food sovereignty, and resistance to blue growth, this research examines how colonial legacies perpetuate asymmetries between artisanal fishers, the state, and private actors. These dynamics generate territorial conflicts and threaten cultural and economic continuity. Using participatory action research (Thiollent, 2011), the study integrates document analysis, surveys, interviews, and observation at regional events. Findings reveal socio-environmental impacts of extractive industries that jeopardize territorial security. Urgent measures are needed, particularly land tenure formalization and initiatives for work and income generation, to safeguard heritage, strengthen livelihoods, and ensure permanence in traditional territories. By stressing the interdependence between marine ecosystem services and artisanal fisheries, the study contributes to debates on food sovereignty, environmental justice, and equitable governance in Brazil’s coastal regions.
Keywords: Blue justice; Artisanal fisheries; Territorial security; Food sovereignty.
Juliana de Melo, PhD, researcher at FURG/UFBA. Works on commons, blue justice, and solidarity economy with focus on artisanal fisheries and environmental governance.
Coauthor 1: Patrícia Tometich
Coauthor 2: Tatiana Walter
Coauthor 3: Matthews Mello
Coauthor 4: Tanize Dias