SOCIAL MAPPING OF FISHERIES
Social cartography of fishing is a mapping process carried out by residents of the fishing community, with technical support from OTSS researchers. This process allows the identification of traditional artisanal fishing practices that constitute the collective identity of the community, as well as conflicts that threaten the territory. The construction of social cartography provides an opportunity for the community to reflect on the historical use and occupation of its territory and habitat, in addition to planning sociopolitical strategies for the sustainable use of its natural resources.
PROBLEM SOLVED
The struggle for respect and recognition of traditional territories and practices is present in the daily lives of the caiçara communities of Bocaina. The maritório is a fundamental element of individual and collective identity, strengthening the bonds and self-affirmation of traditional fishing communities. However, because it is a living territory, where both vectors of capital and counter-hegemonic rationalities are present, the development model is in constant dispute. This asymmetry of power threatens the territory and maritório of traditional fishing communities, projecting a scenario of unsustainability and invisibility for artisanal fishermen and their traditional practices. The pressure exerted by economic interests and the lack of recognition of counter-hegemonic rationalities contribute to the marginalization of these communities and the degradation of their ways of life.
SOLUTION ADOPTED
The OTSS and the FCT supported the Association of Boatmen and Small Fishermen of Trindade, Caxadaço Bocaina Mar and the Association of Residents of Trindade in characterizing the artisanal fishing territory, equipping them to participate in decision-making processes regarding their ways of life, especially in managing conflicts with the Serra da Bocaina National Park (PNSB). The PNSB covers a significant portion of the territory of the Caiçara community of Trindade, overlapping with areas crucial to traditional practices, especially the Enseada do Caxadaço, the main artisanal fishing area of the community and the place where some families lived prior to the creation of the conservation unit. The social mapping comprised the following phases: planning, mobilization, four map-making workshops, training in georeferencing and marking points in the field, interviews and validation of the knowledge systematized from the perspective of the participants. The mobilized community leaders planned and defined the steps to be taken. The content of the maps produced by the community members was transferred to a georeferenced database, including other official territorial boundaries. The versions produced were presented and discussed with the participants, and information on fishing areas, agriculture, housing, crafts, among others, was inserted or adapted. The icons representing the different uses and areas that make up the map were designed by the fishermen themselves.
The activities carried out promoted important moments of sharing and exchanging knowledge between generations, highlighting the sense of belonging and intimacy that the community members have with their territory. The results were disseminated through a newsletter, in partnership with the New Social Cartography project, portraying the reality based on the participants' testimonies and the maps created. This made it possible to learn new ways of reading and appropriating the territory, as well as documenting and recording the traditional knowledge produced by the community members.
Another extremely important aspect was the coordination with new partners throughout the process, who supported the definition of future strategies for dealing with conflicts. One example worth highlighting was the rapprochement and exchange of experiences with leaders of the National Commission for the Strengthening of Marine Extractive Reserves and Coastal Marine Extractive Peoples (CONFREM).
RESULT ACHIEVED
The initiative to construct a social map of Trindade's artisanal fishing contributed significantly to strengthening and qualifying the FCT's actions in territorial disputes and in affirming traditional identity. This methodology was adopted by the FCT and OTSS for future processes of characterizing traditional territories in the region of Ubatuba, Paraty and Angra dos Reis.
The methodology demonstrated its potential to contribute to promoting sustainability, equity and autonomy in these communities. It enabled the construction of a hierarchy of priorities based on the territorialization of demands and the representation of their territories. In addition, it supported the reduction of the communities' vulnerability, stimulating self-esteem, reinforcing their identity and strengthening the fight to guarantee and preserve the integrity of their territories.
Furthermore, social mapping contributed to social participation and the empowerment of communities by generating processes and products that increase their capacity to make demands, intensity of participation, formulation of strategies and management of their territory. This approach not only mapped the territories, but also documented and valued traditional knowledge, promoting socio-environmental justice and the inclusion of the voices of traditional communities in decision-making processes.