Gerações Geraizeiras

Summary

The script portrays the struggles of the ‘Geraizeiras’ communities living along the ‘Rio Preto’ in Bahia, Brazil, who have lived harmoniously with the Cerrado biome for centuries. Despite their deep connection to the land, they face increasing pressure from land speculators and agro-business interests, especially from the ‘Estrondo’ farm, which has illegally encroached on their territories. The communities are resisting displacement, losing traditional resources, and fighting for recognition and rights over their ancestral lands. The story highlights their resilience, the importance of their environmental stewardship, and their ongoing fight for justice.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Geraizeiros' communities in the Rio Preto region of Bahia have deep historical ties to the land and rely on traditional ways of life for their livelihoods, including cattle raising and the collection of natural resources from the Cerrado biome.
• 😀 These communities face significant threats from land invasions and the actions of large agribusinesses, particularly the 'Estrondo' farm, which has been encroaching on their lands since 1975.
• 😀 The 'Estrondo' farm, owned by business magnate Ronald Guimarães Levinson, is involved in illegal land grabbing, environmental degradation, and the displacement of traditional communities from their ancestral lands.
• 😀 Local families, particularly those from the communities of 'Cacimbinha', 'Aldeia', and 'Cachoeira', struggle to maintain their traditional livelihoods as the 'Estrondo' farm installs fences and guards, blocking access to crucial land and resources.
• 😀 The arrival of large agribusiness operations like 'Estrondo' and 'Horita' has led to the destruction of the Cerrado's natural environment, particularly deforestation, which affects water sources and the livelihoods of local communities.
• 😀 Local residents report severe violations, including physical intimidation, threats, and violent encounters with security guards from the 'Estrondo' farm, as well as legal and social marginalization.
• 😀 Environmental destruction caused by the 'Estrondo' farm has led to the depletion of wildlife, loss of fertile land, and severe damage to water supplies, impacting both cattle and local communities' access to vital resources.
• 😀 Despite being recognized as environmental stewards, the 'Geraizeiros' face ongoing challenges from government neglect, with promises of roads, schools, and other public services remaining unfulfilled.
• 😀 The communities of the Rio Preto region are recognized for their traditional knowledge and practices, which have minimal impact on the environment, yet they are increasingly marginalized by both the state and powerful agribusiness interests.
• 😀 Organizations such as the '10envolvimento' Agency and the Rural Workers' Union are key advocates for the 'Geraizeiros' communities, helping them fight for land rights and environmental protection against the pressures of agrobusiness expansion.
• 😀 The struggle for land rights in the region is rooted in a deep connection to the land and culture, with many community members determined to remain on their ancestral land, despite ongoing threats and hardships.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'Estrondo' in the lives of the Geraizeiras communities?

The 'Estrondo' is a significant disturbance for the Geraizeiras communities as it obstructs their way of life. It has led to the ban of house constructions and the disruption of their traditional livelihoods, with the presence of security guards and fencing restricting their access to land and natural resources.

Who were the first families to settle in the area around the Black River?

The first families to settle in the area around the Black River, according to Mr. Cantídio Ferreira, included Bonifácio and his family, João da Mata, Silvestre, Ms. Ritinha, and Leonício, among others. These families, mostly descendants of African people, sought refuge and a safe place to live after the Canudos War.

What challenges have the Geraizeiras communities faced since the arrival of the 'Estrondo' Condominium?

Since the arrival of the 'Estrondo' Condominium, the Geraizeiras communities have faced land expropriation, violence, and continuous pressure to leave their ancestral territories. Their access to traditional resources like grazing land, wild fruits, and fishing areas has been restricted by the condominium's fences and security.

What role do the Geraizeiras communities play in environmental conservation?

The Geraizeiras communities play a crucial role in conserving the environment, as their traditional way of life is closely tied to the preservation of the Cerrado biome. They practice sustainable land use, such as small-scale cattle raising and resource collection, and are considered guardians of the land.

What historical event led to the migration of the first families to the region?

The migration of the first families to the region was largely influenced by the Canudos War. These families, including Bonifácio and his family, sought refuge in the remote and difficult-to-access areas of the Black River region to escape the violence and persecution they faced during that time.

How have the actions of the 'Estrondo' Condominium affected the Geraizeiras' access to natural resources?

The 'Estrondo' Condominium has obstructed the Geraizeiras' access to essential natural resources. Fencing off traditional grazing lands, blocking access to the swamp areas where golden grass grows, and using chemicals that have killed livestock are some of the negative impacts on the community's livelihoods.

What is the 'Geraizeiras' Generations Project, and what is its goal?

The 'Geraizeiras' Generations Project is an initiative aimed at ensuring the continuation of the Geraizeiras' way of life. It focuses on the protection of traditional territories, environmental conservation, and providing economic stability for future generations of Geraizeiras. The project is supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme and implemented by local partners.

How does the 'Estrondo' Condominium justify its actions despite opposition from the local communities?

The 'Estrondo' Condominium justifies its actions by claiming that the areas they occupy are legal reserves, intended for environmental preservation. However, this claim contradicts the reality on the ground, where traditional communities' territories are being seized, and environmental degradation is increasing.

What kind of support have the Geraizeiras communities received from external organizations?

The Geraizeiras communities have received support from non-governmental organizations such as the '10envolvimento' Agency, the Rural Workers' Union of ‘Formosa do Rio Preto,’ and the Pastoral Land Commission. These organizations have helped the communities in their fight for land recognition, against the encroachment of agribusiness, and for the preservation of the Cerrado biome.

What are the primary sources of livelihood for the Geraizeiras families?

The primary sources of livelihood for the Geraizeiras families include cattle ranching, the collection of wild resources from the Cerrado, and farming activities such as growing beans, corn, and cassava. These activities have sustained the community for generations.