Marine extractive reserves: reflections on challenges and opportunities for co-management in marine protected areas

Abstract

This article is focused on the analysis of Extractive Reserves, especially the Marine Extractive Reserves, an instrument of co-management created in Brazil stemming from conflicts related to poverty and conservation of the natural environment and which, initially, conceived for the forest environment, was expanded to other ecosystems. As an alternative to the restrictive models of conservation imported from first world countries, the conception of extractive reserves, in its genesis, is directed to the simultaneous attendance of social and environmental quality principles. However, despite the fact that this type of protected area provides multiple possibilities for social insertion and opportunities for collaborative and adaptive co-management of natural resources in common use (especially fish resources), it is not a panacea. There are many variables that should be considered in its creation and implementation, especially the understanding of the beneficiary populations on the rights and responsibilities of shared management. The objective of the article is to reflect on some perspectives of this institute, which is twenty-eight years old, but still leaves doubts about the sustainable use of sea resources and real benefits for coastal communities.