The extractive reserves of terra do meio: An experience of alternative development for the Amazon

Abstract

The model of Extractive Reserves in the Brazilian Amazon came out of the struggle of the rubber tappers’ social movement led by Chico Mendes. The Reserves model was proposed as an alternative development model for the Amazon and its peoples, in contrast to a hegemonic model based on destruction of the forest and social inequality. Since Chico Mendes’ death, 88 Extractive Reserves have been created in Brazil. Three of them were created in the 2000’s in the Xingu River basin. This article describes the experience of organization and management of those Reserves, arguing that the model of Extractive Reserves can, under certain circumstances, achieve the goals first conceptualized by the movement led by Chico Mendes. We write as members of Instituto Socioambiental, an NGO that has been working in the Xingu River basin for decades, supporting associations of inhabitants of the Extractive Reserves for more than ten years. We describe strategies that families and partner institutions have chosen in pursuit of a model of development that is environmentally sustainable and socially just.