From the forest to the coast: co-management instruments and the institutional legacy of Extractive Reserves

Abstract

Several authors have made elucidative contributions on the evolution of extractive reserves (Resex), from their original conception to their institutionalization as an environmental policy. Part of this literature points out transformations on the institutional arrangements, when they are formalized and recognized by the State. This article presents the co-management instruments of Brazilian Marine Extractive Reserves and an analysis of their formal arrangements evolution, based on secondary data and an assessment of pertinent legislation since the first Resex decree. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 managers of Coastal and Marine Resex. The interviews aimed to identify all co-management instruments used in each Resex, their stage of implementation as well as the managers' perception on these instruments. We consider co-management instruments as formal arrangements that require participatory procedures or that act as arenas for decision-making. The results show that the legacy of the rubber tappers social movement in 80’s, which created an inclusive model of protected area, is presented in the formal arrangements established over time. The instruments for co-management are divided into instruments of territorial recognition and beneficiaries, instruments for land use planning, arenas for discussion and deliberation, as well as public policies for Resex. This institutional framework has become increasingly robust over time, although it still needs to be improved. Part of the challenges include a reduction on bureaucratic procedures for the formal recognition of these instruments and the technocratic logic of the State that is often exercising tutelage rather than social emancipation of traditional people.