Showing papers by "Eduardo S. Brondizio published in 2009"

Connectivity and the Governance of Multilevel Social-Ecological Systems: The Role of Social Capital

Abstract: We discuss the challenges confronting environmental governance caused by the increasing connectivity of resource-use systems and the growing functional interdependencies of ecological and social systems. We take as a point of departure the case of the Xingu Indigenous Park (PIX) in Brazil and its surrounding agro-industrial region. This case provides a basis for reviewing the literature on resource governance, including both points of consensus and contentious issues. We argue that no fixed spatial or temporal level is appropriate for governing ecosystems and their services sustainably, effectively, and equitably. We point to the need to recognize the multilevel nature of such problems and the role of institutions in facilitating cross-level environmental governance as an important form of social capital that is essential for the long-term protection of ecosystems and the well-being of different populations.

Revisiting the hierarchy of urban areas in the Brazilian Amazon: a multilevel approach

Abstract: The Legal Brazilian Amazon, while the largest rainforest in the world, is also a region where most residents are urban. Despite close linkages between rural and urban processes in the region, rural areas have been the predominant focus of Amazon-based population-environment scholarship. Offering a focus on urban areas within the Brazilian Amazon, this paper examines the emergence of urban hierarchies within the region. Using a combination of nationally representative data and community based surveys, applied to a multivariate cluster methodology (Grade of Membership), we observe the emergence of sub-regional urban networks characterized by economic and political inter-dependency, population movement, and provision of services. These networks link rural areas, small towns, and medium and large cities. We also identify the emergence of medium-size cities as important nodes at a sub-regional level. In all, the work provides insight on the proposed model of ‘disarticulated urbanization’ within the Amazon by calling attention to the increasing role of regional and sub-regional urban networks in shaping the future expansion of land use and population distribution in the Amazon. We conclude with a discussion of implications for increasing intra-regional connectivity and fragmentation of conservation areas and ecosystems in the region.

Inter-Urban Dependency among Amazonian Cities: Urban Growth, Infrastructure Deficiencies, and Socio-Demographic Networks

Abstract: This paper examines the process of urbanization in the Brazilian Amazon with attention to the formation of inter-urban networks and their linkages to a regional urban system. Based on the integration of historical census, census micro-data (2000), and field research it examines Amazonian cities in terms foundation history, urban functions and services, population sizes, and employment. It also examines the emergence of subregional inter-urban networks through transportation and population movement. Three main arguments regarding Amazonian urbanization are discussed. 1) The lack of urban infrastructure in the Amazon is non-selective, affecting cities notwithstanding age, size, and location. 2) As a result, subregional inter-urban networks are emerging marked by the rise of node service cities in different parts of the region. 3) High rates of urbanization, dependency on subsidies, lack of industries and dominant informal economy points to limited prospects for short-term improvements in urban conditions and quality of life.

Integrating Analytical and Participatory Techniques for Planning the Sustainable Use of Land Resources and Landscapes

Abstract: Planning the sustainable use of land resources and landscapes must be a process in which stakeholders and the public work together to establish common guidelines for understanding the options of, and the implications for, future land uses. Key aspects of this process are the establishment of meaningful knowledge bases and tools, and methodologies based on the enhanced involvement of stakeholders in making decisions, and their subsequent implementation. The gradation of power or control in public participation proposed by Arnstein (1969), extending from ‘citizen control’ to ‘manipulation’, provides a conceptual basis for considering the evolution in political thinking about participation in areas such landscape planning. This chapter discusses the integration of analytical and participatory techniques for planning the sustainable use of land resources and landscapes using two examples, one from South America and the second from Europe. The first example considers land use in the Amazon, and the second, the socio-economic, ecological and visual aspects of land-use changes in a European landscape. Each example involved active participation of stakeholders and the public in the process of decision making. A framework is presented for the Amazonian example, which comprises methodologies and survey instruments for multi-level, integrated assessments of landuse and land-cover change. The framework was developed in collaboration between Indiana University and several Brazilian institutions. It adopts an historical ecological approach (Brondizio 2006) and applies a range of tools from the social, ecological and geographic sciences in fieldwork and laboratory analysis (Moran and Ostrom 2005). The framework and methodologies are being used by scientists in the Amazon Initiative (AI)—Land Degradation Assessment (LDA) thematic network as a tool for responding to land degradation problems occurring at farm to regional Chapter 16 Integrating Analytical and Participatory Techniques for Planning the Sustainable Use of Land Resources and Landscapes

Paths of Diversification: Land use, livelihood strategies and social learning along the aging of a land reform settlement in Acre, Brazil

Abstract: This paper explores the story of settlers overcoming challenges common to the environment of expanding agricultural frontiers, and how this is refected on the land-use and livelihood choices that unfold with the aging of settlements. The study site is a land reform project in the State of Acre, Brazil. We found that most families seek to diversify their livelihood strategies and take advantage of new opportunities as a way to cope with income uncertainties largely present on the frontier setting. As in other parts of the Amazon, cattle-ranching is the single most important activity to secure income, but complementary activities such as agroforestry and fsh breeding are key for economic security and improvements. Key words: land-use, Acre, Amazonia.