Environmental governance and perception about participatory processes in the Canavieiras Extractive Reserve, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

This study analyzes the participatory processes in the context of the Canavieiras Extractive Reserve (Resex), a Sustainable Use conservation unit located in the coastal zone of southern Bahia and belonging to the marine biome. Resex de Canavieiras was created in 2006 and has a history of social conflicts since its creation. In this study we identified the participatory processes through the analysis of the principles of good governance - Legitimacy and Voice, Direction, Performance, Accountability and Fairness - and the perception of the beneficiaries about the process of creation and management of the Resex using qualitative research of an exploratory nature, using techniques of documentary analysis, non-participant observation and interviews directed to the members of the Deliberative Council and the fishermen of the Resex. Data analysis was conducted using the Content Analysis for governance data and frequency of respondents opinion for perception analysis. It was found that the principles of good governance are present in the formal descriptions and actions developed by the Deliberative Council of the Resex de Canavieiras, with greater emphasis on Legitimacy and Voice and Direction. The Mother Association of Extractivists of the Extractivist Reserve of Canavieiras (Amex) influences the management process of the Unit through the actions of the extractivist councilors. Regarding the perception of the beneficiaries, it was found that only 33% of the interviewees said they had heard about Protected Areas (AP); on the other hand, 97% of the interviewees said they knew about the existence of Resex, although only 3% understood its meaning. The study points out that the area presented normative quality characteristic of good governance and that the beneficiaries perceived the benefits brought during the process of implementation of the protected area.