TERRITORIAL CONFLICTS AND SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE FLOOD FIELDS AREAS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF SÃO JOÃO BATISTA – MARANHÃO

Abstract

Territorial conflicts are caused by a complex set of struggles that involve more than one dimension of reality. In Baixada Maranhense, a region that brings together 21 municipalities in the north of Maranhão, including São João Batista, numerous territorial conflicts are recorded, resulting from disputes over floodable areas used for fishing, livestock and agriculture. This article aimed to analyze territorial disputes and their causes in the Municipality of São João Batista. The research consisted of on-site observation and the application of 200 interviews using questionnaires in nine villages where there are territorial disputes. The data obtained made it possible to identify that the main activities carried out in the municipality are livestock, fishing and agriculture and these partially depend on floodable fields, areas in constant dispute. The main conflicts arise from the construction of dams and fences in floodable fields that "privatize" spaces that were formerly of common use. In the perception of 48.5% of those interviewed, the construction of dams and fences, breeding of buffaloes and implementation of dikes resulted in and/or intensified environmental degradation and conflicts. Cattle and buffalo farming results in a reduction in the quantity and quality of fish, with direct and negative implications for the family income of fishermen and other people involved in the production chain.