GOVERNANÇA DAS RESERVAS DA BIOSFERA: Uma Análise dos Modelos de Gestão para a Reserva da Biosfera da Amazônia Central

Abstract

The study addresses the governance of the Central Amazon Biosphere Reserve, focusing on the analysis of management models and their implications for environmental conservation and sustainable development. The research explores governance dynamics, integrated management, and the challenges faced by these internationally recognized areas, comparing the Central Amazon Biosphere Reserve with the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve. The main objective of this work was to analyze the management models of the Central Amazon Biosphere Reserve and the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve, seeking to identify good governance practices that can be adapted to the reality of the Amazon. The research also aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Central Amazon Biosphere Reserve's management model and suggest improvements, focusing on decentralized governance, financial sustainability, and community participation. An exploratory and qualitative approach was adopted, with multiple case analysis, utilizing both secondary and primary data. The research included a bibliographic and documentary review on the management models of the biosphere reserves, as well as semi-structured interviews with managers and council members of the two reserves. Additionally, a questionnaire was applied to the council members of the reserves to collect quantitative and qualitative information about the governance and effectiveness of the practices adopted. The data analysis followed the content analysis technique, categorizing the information into main themes related to governance, management mechanisms, sustainability, and participation. The comparative analysis between the Central Amazon Biosphere Reserve and the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve revealed significant differences in governance structure, with the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve being more decentralized and participatory, featuring active regional committees and a well-established network of decentralized management units. On the other hand, the Central Amazon Biosphere, Reserve faces challenges related to centralized management and the lack of decentralized management units and operational regional committees, which limits local articulation and the implementation of strategic actions. The lack of financial resources was also a major obstacle to the full implementation of the Central Amazon Biosphere Reserve Action Plan (2021-2024). The study concludes that the Central Amazon Biosphere Reserve can benefit from a polycentric approach, involving multiple institutions, actors, and levels of governance, local, regional, national, and international, each decision making center with autonomy yet collaborating with others in an interconnected network. This promotes greater coordination and ecosystemic inclusion with the need to integrate environmental, social, and economic factors in management, considering the interaction between different ecosystem components at multiple levels, in a decentralized manner. Additionally, the Central Amazon Biosphere Reserve can draw inspiration from the successful models of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve, which promote greater local participation and financial sustainability. The creation of local regional committees, the strengthening of resource mobilization mechanisms, and the greater integration of protected areas are essential to improve the effectiveness of the Central Amazon Biosphere Reserve's management. Furthermore, environmental education and awareness of local communities are crucial for the long-term success of managing these internationally recognized areas.