OS GRANDES EMPREENDIMENTOS E AS COMUNIDADES TRADICIONAIS: O CASO DA COMUNIDADE DE MUNDAÚ - TRAIRÍ, CEARÁ.

Abstract

The seacoast of Brazil’s northeast has been occupied by a large number of enterprises, all of which are justified as being sources of jobs and improvement on the quality of life of the local communities. In Ceara, some of these enterprises were located in traditional communities and they have influenced the lifestyle of the population. The purpose of this study was to work out an analysis of the implementation of enterprises and its impacts in these communities and, mainly, in an APA. As to the metodologic aspects of the research, it was used direct observations, which were made through fieldwork (from 2010 to 2013), in addition to the documental analysis of the legislation in force. The result of the investigation found that the APA of the estuary of Mundau’s river, which is situated on the east seaside of Ceara, doesn’t have guarantees of an adequate preservation and of a management that can assure the maintenance of the quality of the enviroment and of the community lifestyle, even being an protected area and supported by the legislation. There have been significant changes on the traditional activites of the population. Through the privatization of common areas (dune fields, mangrove areas, stretches of beach) the local communities are prevented from using areas which used to form part of their routine. Fishing and shellfish collection areas, which were before communal areas, today are used for shrimp farming. The dune fields, areas destined for leisure and the agricultural plantation seasonal (deflation zones), are occupied by a big wind farm and, lastly, a stretch of beach is being gradually occupied by hotelier ventures. These ventures, which are responsible for many environmental problems, have totally changed the natural dynamic. Amongst the social impacts, it can be quoted: the expulsion of fishermen from their original work areas; the privatization of public places and of leisure areas; the illusion of fixed employments; the rise of prostitution and the use of drugs in the community. The conclusion is that the communities are being excluded from their original area and many times they are colluding with the fact due to the power of persuasion that the entrepreneurs have.